棋完美视讯

First-generation student parent Dayana Paez Ortiz (she/her), a public health major, traveled from Ecuador to Florida for the American dream.

"I spent a lot of money at another institution to learn one level of English," said Ortiz. "I almost gave up, saying to myself, 'This is not my dream.'"

However, Ortiz researched other English learning opportunities online and discovered Howard Community College (棋完美视讯) and moved to Maryland.

"Initially, I just wanted to learn English," said Ortiz. "But then Ms. Wanda Colon-Canales, the Director of the Ambiciones program, coached me and encouraged me to do more."

A lifeline for Ortiz, the Ambiciones program builds community among Hispanic/Latino students by providing networking opportunities, educational and recreational activities. With the launch of the new 棋完美视讯 student chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), Ortiz joined 14 students to represent the college at this national professional association's annual conference in Las Vegas, boasting over 100,000 professional and student members.

"We participated in a lot of workshops, listened to speakers from different companies, and had opportunities to network," said Ortiz. "As student representatives, we were able to make connections with people that inspired us."

Ortiz also works as an Ambiciones intern, using the communications degree she earned in her native country to help promote the program. In addition to academic support, she received financial support from the Howard Community College Educational Foundation’s Ambiciones Scholarship and the JoshuaOneNine Endowment for the Parent Scholars Program (formerly the Career Links Program) award. 

"Everything was covered: tuition and materials," said Ortiz. "It's like my dream is finally coming true."

She also benefited from college resources such as the Wellness Center and campus food pantry, participated in the Step Up program for one-on-one support, and served as an assistant and health coach.

"With the athletes, I focused on nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being," said Ortiz. "My goal is to share my path of how to overcome mental health struggles."

Ortiz suffered from postpartum depression after giving birth to her now 5-year-old daughter. She now works as a health coach for an elementary school. After 棋完美视讯, Ortiz plans to expand her health, nutrition, and fitness business.

"棋完美视讯 is like my second home, and I learned that I don't have limits here," said Ortiz. "And now my brother is attending 棋完美视讯 for Engineering, and my mom will be enrolling to learn English."