Meet the FAMU Helios Pathway Scholars
T'Miyahh Brooks
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Health Sciences
Education is something that has always been prioritized in my household. So, for me, there was no second guess about continuing my education after high school. Participating in a collegiate program during my last two years of high school helped me realize that I had to be more responsible and use the resources that were available to me.
This was the most challenging part for me simply because I was afraid. Reality hit hard. As senior year approached, I knew it was time I put forth my best effort and take advantage of the support offered. Once I did, everything changed. I graduated with the highest honors, earned my associate’s degree, received scholarships, and was accepted into my top five schools.
Now, as I work toward completing my bachelor's degree, I’m focused on my long-term career aspirations of becoming a dental hygienist. Earning this degree will deepen my knowledge and strengthen the skills required for this career path. It lays a strong foundation for exploring complex concepts in subjects like science, helping me gain a broad understanding of what’s vital in the dental industry. It also gives me opportunities to develop essential soft skills, such as communication and teamwork. Ultimately, this degree provides a competitive edge in the job market and increases my potential for a higher salary in the future.
Vanessa Elas
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Biology/Pre-Med
My parents left their home country in search of a better life for me and my sister, hoping to provide us with greater opportunities. Throughout elementary school, I consistently earned A’s and B’s on my report cards. However, transitioning from Miami Gardens to Tamarac during middle school brought significant challenges.
During my freshman year of high school, I took a course called Prevention of Healthcare Injuries, which sparked my passion for sports medicine. Two years later, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my high school experience. I missed out on memorable senior activities like prom, Grad Bash, and breakfast with the principal. Despite these challenges, I am deeply grateful to have earned my diploma. Now, I’m excited to further my education and exceed even my parents’ highest expectations.
Ian Fields
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Sociology
My educational story is a very interesting one. My journey has been one of resilience, determination, and self-discovery. Born with Cerebral Palsy and later diagnosed with ADHD, I faced unique challenges that significantly shaped my academic experience. Cerebral Palsy affects my mobility, which makes walking difficult, while ADHD impacts my ability to focus. Yet, these challenges have not defined me—they have fueled my drive to succeed and motivated me to overcome my disabilities.
In high school, my Individualized Education Plan (IEP) was vital in creating a supportive learning environment tailored to my personal needs. Math was complicated, but accommodations such as extended time and preferential seating allowed me to stay on track and succeed. Despite the additional support, I often questioned whether I could thrive academically after high school.
Transitioning to college introduced a new set of challenges. I had to learn to advocate for myself and balance coursework with the demands of managing ADHD and my physical disability. Strategies like breaking tasks into manageable steps, utilizing resources such as tutoring and private testing rooms, and listening to my body when I needed rest helped me navigate this new chapter.
Earning my Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a testament to my perseverance and ability to rise above challenges. As I pursue my bachelor’s degree, I carry the lessons of persistence and adaptability, proving that no barrier is impossible with proper support and determination.
Kaleb Gorousingh
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Cybersecurity
I attended Lakewood High School, where I was introduced to cybersecurity through the CAT program. From that moment, I knew it was the career path I wanted to pursue. When it came time to choose a college or university, affordability was the most important factor. Unfortunately, I did not receive any scholarships during high school, which led me to enroll at Saint Petersburg College (SPC).
SPC covered my full tuition for the first year of my studies. While my first two years were financially covered, I knew scholarships would be necessary to continue my education. Determined, I spent countless hours applying for as many scholarships as possible. My hard work paid off, and I was awarded two scholarships, both of which required me to transfer to Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Fall 2024.
This brings me to where I am today. I have dedicated countless hours both inside and outside of the classroom to studying cybersecurity, which has led to securing valuable internships and gaining hands-on project experience. The greatest challenge in my educational journey has been the recent passing of my father on December 4, 2024. While this is a deeply personal and difficult loss, it has become my greatest source of motivation. I am determined to honor his memory by finishing my education and succeeding in my career.
Ben Paul
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Cybersecurity
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was gaining the courage to go after something new. For some time, I worked full time as a Dental Assistant while attending school part-time, with hopes of becoming a dental hygienist. But over time, I realized the field no longer sparked my interest.
With the adversity I experienced in the role of being a dental assistant, I questioned if dental hygiene was truly my passion, and my lack of motivation began to reflect in my academic performance.
Everything changed once I shifted my perspective and poured into myself. New opportunities began to appear, and I’ve been more motivated than ever to pursue a path that aligns with my true interests and goals – cybersecurity.
Coming from a first-generation household, earning a bachelor’s degree would make a big difference. Not only would it inspire others around me who face similar obstacles, it would give me the opportunity to educate and encourage young people interested in related fields.
More importantly, it would allow me to secure a well-paying job, create a stable life for myself, and help position my family for a better future.