Meet Helios-Black Leadership Network Scholar: Bedjena Wislande Resiliac

Receiving the Helios Black Leadership Network Scholarship has been a game-changer for my educational journey. Being the first in my family to attend college, the financial burden was a significant concern. The scholarship has alleviated this pressure and allowed me to focus solely on my studies and personal growth.

With the support of the Helios BLN Scholarship, I've been able to immerse myself fully in various academic and extracurricular activities without the constant worry of financial constraints. This freedom has enabled me to participate in a domestic study away program in Alabama, where I delved into the Civil Rights Movement and visited historic sites in Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery. This experience deepened my passion for research and understanding sociopolitical impacts.

What continues to drive me is seeing other people who look like me striving for a college education, regardless of their degree-seeking path. BLN has a silent but powerful oath that we will all graduate despite our past.

I've been actively involved in various organizations and leadership roles throughout my time at the University of South Florida. I've served as a USF Pan African Party member, NAACP Annual Student Member, and E-board Member of Black Women in Law. I co-founded the My Perspective Student Social Justice Organization and advocated for the homeless community in Tampa through We Are One. My work experience as a Peer Coach at USF has allowed me to mentor and support incoming students, fostering their academic and personal growth. 

Looking ahead, I aspire to leverage my education and experiences to drive social change and make a meaningful impact in the field of public relations and public policy. I am excited about the future and remain committed to using my voice and skills to create positive change.