By: Carlos Cervantes | Syracuse EOC
In this newsletter’s edition of the SEOC Progress, we interviewed Keila Arencibia, a 2018 graduate of the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center (SEOC), and winner of multiple SEOC awards including several academic achievements and the coveted Academic Excellence Award at a recent graduate recognition ceremony at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College (OCC). Keila not only served as an accomplished student. She was also an exceptional student worker in the Student Services Department, helping former, current, and future students with their service requests. Learn more about Keila below.
When did you attend Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center and what programs were you enrolled in?
I attended SEOC in 2017. I was enrolled in the English-as-a-Second Language Program, College Preparation Program, and I also earned my High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at SEOC.
What completions did you earn?
SEOC gave me the opportunity to learn English. I started at the most basic level of the English-as-a-Second Language program, and I progressed until I
finished all the levels. Then, I decided to start the College Prep Program, which gave me all the necessary knowledge to perform excellently in college. In this program I was able to prepare better in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and writing. Besides all this, I was able to earn my High School Equivalency Diploma. I did my high school in Cuba, but I had lost my certificate, so the SEOC gave me the opportunity to earn the certificate to apply to college.
Where did you enroll after you attended Syracuse Educational Opportunity Program?
After I graduated from SEOC, I thought it was time to go to college, so I decided to apply to OCC and start my career as a nurse. I finished the RN program at OCC, and I am now working on my BSN at SUNY Delhi.
How well did Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center prepare you for your academic pursuits?
I am a perfectionist, so that is why I deduced to prepare very well at SEOC before going to college. I wanted to be able to get good grades, and that is exactly what happened. Thanks to all my teachers at SEOC, I was able to be a 4.0 student at OCC, and be part of many programs like the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Phi Theta Kappa, CESTEP, and be a leader at OCC. My time at SEOC was not in vain, and the results I had in college were all thanks to the preparation I received.
What do you plan on doing in the future?
I plan to finish my BSN program and start a Nurse Practitioner program as well. I am going to start working at the VA Medical Center very soon, and in the future, I want to help people in need and around the world.
What do you want to tell anyone thinking about enrolling at the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center?
If you plan to enroll at the SEOC, do not think twice. I am sure that with a lot of dedication and effort you will be able to achieve all your goals as I did. You will be in good hands.
