Meet the FIU Helios Pathway Scholars
Raul Cisneros
Florida International University, Criminal Justice
My education journey has been a transformative experience. From a young age, I wasn't the best student. I had average grades through elementary and middle school, mostly because I lacked passion for my education.
My perspective shifted though when I had a wakeup call in 7th Grade. My counselor at the time had to warn me that if I continued down the path of receiving poor grades and showing little effort, I could be held back another year and unable to graduate in time. Even then, the warning didn’t shake me—until my mom got involved.
My mother is a traditional Hispanic mom – loud, assertive, and full of love. We had a long conversation about my future that day. She told me she wanted a better future for me than she had for herself. For some reason, her words really clicked for me that day. From that point on, I have been trying my best in school to make her proud.
I ended 7th grade strong and continued to excel throughout middle school. Things were going well until COVID hit during my sophomore year of high school. Once again, I was not motivated to try in school. It was a hard time in my life. I struggled with severe mental health issues. But thankfully, I made it through to the other side.
Destiny Higgs
Florida International University, Biochemistry
“Prove them wrong.” That’s what my mom always says when I share unsettling interactions with teachers once they realize I need additional support.
Ironically, while some educators have been my biggest cheerleaders, others have been my toughest opponents.
In high school, a teacher told me she didn’t think I could pass her class because it required earning certifications in Microsoft applications within strict time limits. Rather than accepting her doubts, I used them as fuel.
Her lack of confidence in me pushed me to study relentlessly, using practice exams and researching how to overcome any obstacle in my way.
I also contacted Microsoft and learned about available accommodations for students. I passed all the certifications for the class, earned an A, and stood up for other students to ensure our rights were respected.
Completing my bachelor's degree will assist me in achieving my long-term goal of becoming a veterinarian. My ultimate aspiration includes attending medical school for veterinary science. The knowledge I gain from courses and experiences at FIU will prepare me for a prestigious vet program. Once I complete this degree and enter medical school, I plan to open an office to help small animals. FIU will support me in becoming Dr. Higgs—not just a doctor, but a successful one who has the care, compassion, and knowledge to look after animals and their families.
Rayann Olanipekun
Florida International University, Marine Biology
As the first-born grandchild, the pressure of always having to do the best academically was something I have always faced. In elementary school earning A’s and B’s came easily, but that changed when I reached middle school. Placed in advanced classes due to my test scores, I began to struggle. It was then that I realized I needed to start studying and putting in more effort to succeed.
I often thought about my second- and third-grade teachers, who pushed me to do my best and reminded me that I was smart enough to achieve anything I set my mind to. I used that as motivation to push through.
When I started college, it seemed like everything was harder than I expected. I felt close to burning out or discouraged when I failed a class. Now I have learned to accept the challenges of hard classes and face them while maintaining my mental health, working, helping at home, and preparing for my future.
I’ve started to work on what I can, little by little, so I won't get too overwhelmed and have my grades suffer.
Leina Olazabal Rodriguez
Florida International University, Accounting
My education story begins with a leap into the unknown. Eleven years ago, I left my home in Cuba with my family, embarking on a journey that held more questions than answers. Stepping into the U.S. was like entering a world entirely unfamiliar. I was young, determined, and full of dreams, but also painfully aware of the challenges ahead.
The language barrier hit me hardest. Each day, I faced the struggle of learning English while adjusting to a new culture. Simple tasks felt overwhelming, and at times, I wondered if I would ever truly feel at home here. But education became my lifeline. It was my way forward, giving me purpose and resilience even when I felt out of place.
Earning my GED was a turning point, proving that my hard work could help me overcome even the toughest obstacles. I pursued an associate of arts in Accounting at Miami Dade College, where I graduated with Highest Honors and a GPA of 3.95. I also completed certificates in Business Industry Operations and Business Specialist, which further fueled my passion for this field.
Each step I’ve taken represents more than grades—they are small victories over the challenges I’ve faced. My journey continues now as I pursue a bachelor’s in accounting at FIU, driven by the dream of becoming a CPA.
Yuna Yi
Florida International University, Digital Arts Graphic Design
I've always struggled in school when I was younger, which placed a lingering worry about my future in the back of my mind. This worry was only deepened after I was in a car accident in 10th grade. I had no idea how my life would turn out.
Before college, I felt very lonely and isolated – feelings that were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were days when I couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed and I was lost and empty on the inside. After I switched to virtual schooling from home, and after bordering failure and experiencing a level of worry that I'd never imagined, I knew deep in my heart that I had to turn my life around before it was too late.
Of course it was difficult, but with faith and persistence, I was able to succeed. I finished up all of my classes on time, recovered from my accident, and regained my ability to walk without a wheelchair. When I returned to public school, my friends and everyone else in my grade level had already graduated, but I chose to network, make new friends, and connect with my teachers, which I would have been too nervous to do in the past.
In college, I graduated from Miami Dade College with a 3.9 GPA and Highest Honors. Now as I transfer to FIU, I'm eager to discover what the next chapter in my life will be.