College Access Stories
We know that education has the power to transform lives. We know that a student who earns a degree has the chance to lift his or her family out of poverty. But the benefits of a college education extend beyond just income; research shows that college-educated residents are better informed citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners. At Valencia, we are dedicated to making access to college or other postsecondary training possible for everyone.
![](/about/stories/images/teagan-holland-portrait-at-park-600x600.jpg)
When Teagan Holland decided he wanted to start a career in hospitality management, he headed to the epicenter of hospitality in the United States: Orlando, Fla.
![](/about/stories/images/torquemada-portrait-600x600.jpg)
![](/about/stories/images/mihaka-saintelus-photo-600x600.jpg)
![](/about/stories/images/liz-angela-tillias-600x600.jpg)
Born and raised in Haiti, Liz Angela Tillias made her way to Valencia College in Spring 2022, in hopes of starting the race to fulfilling a lifelong goal of attending college.
![](/about/stories/images/arelise-vasquez-portrait-600x600.jpg)
Arelise Vasquez flew under the radar in high school. But thanks to the Osceola Prosper scholarship, she's attracting attention as an SGA leader.
![](/about/stories/images/erika-nielson-portrait-600x600.jpg)
Erika Nielsen's thirst for knowledge began in elementary school. So when she started taking college classes in seventh grade, she pushed herself to learn more -- and quickly finished her associate in arts degree while still in high school. Now she's planning to major in biology, head to medical school and ultimately become a cardiac surgeon.
![](/about/stories/images/miranda-rublaitus-2022-600x600.jpg)
Miranda Rublaitus started college after spending more than a decade running her own small business. Now she's ready for her next big move.
![](/about/stories/images/omari-jones-2022-600x600.jpg)
![](/about/stories/images/angela-murphy-2021-600x600.jpg)
![](/about/stories/images/marc-aristide-2018-600x600.jpg)
![](/_resources/images/marketing-portraits/dalton-joseph-400x400.jpg)
![](/about/stories/images/nadia-vidal-2021-600x600.jpg)