Reaching New Heights: First Literacy Scholars Graduate and Pursue Their Dreams

Written by Julie Slack, First Literacy Marketing and Communications Director

Behind every First Literacy scholarship is a story of determination, resilience, and hope. This year’s scholars have overcome significant obstacles—from language barriers and financial hardship to personal loss and the challenges of starting over in a new country. Through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to their education, they have achieved an important milestone and are now looking ahead to bright futures filled with possibility. We are proud to share the stories of six scholars whose journeys remind us of the transformative power of education.

After Fleeing Violence in Haiti, Adult Learner Finds Hope Through Education

In 2023 Jean Carrel Norceide came to United States. Life in his home country of Haiti was becoming increasingly dangerous due to political instability and escalating violence. After learning about the kidnapping of two close friends, he made the decision to leave Haiti to escape violence and build a better future.

The transition was not easy. Jean Carrel knew only a few words of English when he arrived, and he had to leave his family and friends behind. He also faced the challenge of balancing educational goals with financial responsibilities and daily living expenses.

Determined to improve his English Skills, Jean Carrel took English classes at Blue Hills Adult Education. He then discovered the JVS Bridges to College and Careers and was nominated for a First Literacy Scholarship.

“With support of the First Literacy, I no longer feel forced to choose between supporting my family’s basic needs and continuing education. This support has strengthened my confidence and allowed me to focus more fully on my goals, giving me a more hopeful and secure outlook on the future.”

Now living in Stoughton, Jean Carrel is celebrating his graduation from Quincy College. With a certificate in Biotechnology and Goods Manufacturing Practices now under his belt, he plans to pursue a career in biomanufacturing while continuing studies toward an associate degree in Biotechnology and Goods Manufacturing Practices.

From Hardship in Haiti to Success in Biotechnology

Deborah Jean at her graduation from Quincy College.

In 2023, Deborah Jean moved to the United States from Haiti determined to build a better life for herself. When she arrived, she faced language barriers and struggled to adjust to new systems in a new country. With a strong belief in the power of education, she was determined to build a meaningful career in the field of biotechnology.

After taking English classes and attending the JVS Bridges to College Program, Deborah Jean was nominated for a First Literacy scholarship.

“Receiving the First Literacy scholarship made it possible for me to continue my education without the constant stress of financial barriers. It allowed me to focus more on my coursework and training and gave me access to opportunities that I might not have been able to pursue otherwise.”

Now living in Malden, Massachusetts, Deborah Jean is preparing for the next chapter. On May 27 she graduated with a certificate in Biotechnology from Quincy College. She plans to apply her training in a biotechnology company or research laboratory while continuing to build technical and professional skills. Her long-term goal is to pursue a bachelor’s degree and further specialize in the field.

First-Generation College Graduate Builds Future in Cybersecurity After Fleeing Nicaragua

Luis at his graduation from Bridgewater State University.

Luis Marin immigrated from Nicaragua to the U.S. in 2018 after the Nicaraguan government started targeting university students. Fleeing danger in Nicaragua, Luis embarked on a treacherous journey to the U.S., surviving against all odds. He first settled in Miami with a friend but found little opportunity there to continue his education.

In 2020, Luis decided to move to Massachusetts in search of an opportunity to learn English and pursue a degree. Once settled, he rapidly progressed through his English courses at Maverick Landing Community Services, completed a cybersecurity bootcamp, and secured an IT internship with Catholic Charities. It was through these programs that he learned about First Literacy, which allowed him to help fund his education.

“The First Literacy scholarship made it possible for me to proudly say that I went to college. Today I work as a Security Operations Center Analyst at one of the top 3 financial companies in the world, a Fortune 500 organization, where I am part of an amazing team with vast knowledge and experience that stretches all the way from Ireland to Boston. None of this would have been possible without the support of this scholarship, and I am truly grateful for the role it played in getting me here.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Now living in Mansfield, Massachusetts, Luis is celebrating a major milestone. On May 14 he graduated from Bridgewater State University. Luis plans to continue working in cybersecurity and is considering pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity, with a focus on cyber threat intelligence and artificial intelligence.

After Starting Over in the U.S., A First Literacy Scholarship Helps Boston Student Pursue Career in Cybersecurity

Maria at her graduation from Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.

María Victoria Davila is from Venezuela, where political and economic instability made everyday life increasingly difficult. Determined to build a better future, she made the difficult decision to leave her home and family behind and start over in the United States. Although the transition came with language barriers, cultural adjustments, and the challenge of navigating a new education system, María remained focused on transforming her life through education.

In 2023, María enrolled in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program at El Centro, where she strengthened her English skills and discovered a passion for technology. As she explored the field further, cybersecurity quickly became the career path she wanted to pursue.

Two years later María was nominated for a First Literacy Scholarship. The scholarship provided her with the funds necessary to pursue a career in the field of cybersecurity.

“Before receiving the scholarship, balancing school, work, and financial responsibilities was very challenging. There were moments where it felt overwhelming trying to manage everything at once.”

Now a Boston resident, María’s hard work is paying off. On May 16, she graduated with her Associate of Science degree in Cybersecurity from Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology. Determined to excel in the field of cybersecurity, María plans to transfer to Boston College to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She also hopes to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity law while continuing to build a professional career in the field.

Overcoming Language Barriers to Pursue Engineering Career

Nicolás at his graduation from Berkshire Community College.

Nicolás Henao came to the United States with a dream: to build a better future and become an engineer. But when he arrived, he knew only a handful of English words. Every aspect of daily life—from navigating an unfamiliar education system to finding work and supporting his family—became a challenge. Despite the language barrier and the demands of starting over in a new country, Nicolás remained determined to pursue his goals and create new opportunities for himself and his family.

He started taking ESOL classes at the Berkshire Community College Adult Basic Education Program to improve his English skills and soon after completing his classes he was nominated for a First Literacy Scholarship.

“Receiving the scholarship gave me more confidence in myself and my future. It reminded me that there are people and organizations willing to support students who are working hard toward their goals.”

Now living in Pittsfield, Nicolás is celebrating the completion of his Advanced Manufacturing Technician certificate from Berkshire Community College. One step closer to his dream, Nicolás plans to continue his education and work towards an associate degree in Mechatronics.

Balancing Full-Time Work with Education

Pa Modou at his graduation ceremony from Bunker Hill Community College.

Pa Modou Touray is from a small town in West Africa where educational opportunities are limited and often undervalued. He made the decision to move the U.S. determined to pursue higher education while building a better future for himself.

When he arrived in the U.S., he worked full-time as a security officer to cover living expenses and school costs. Balancing work responsibilities with academics often left him with little time and energy to focus on his studies. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to reaching his educational goals.

Support from the Bridge to College program at the Cambridge Community Learning Center and a scholarship from First Literacy helped him continue his education and stay on track toward graduation.

“The scholarship opened doors to academic and professional opportunities that were previously out of reach, bringing me closer to my dream and helping me stay on track to graduate on time.”

Now living in Cambridge, Pa Modou is celebrating a great achievement. On May 21 he graduated from Bunker Hill Community College with an associate’s degree in information technology.  He plans to pursue a career in the technology field while continuing his studies toward a bachelor’s degree.

Scholarships Create Opportunity

Since 1990, First Literacy has awarded more than 600 scholarships to adult learners across Massachusetts. Each year, these scholarships help recent graduates of Adult Basic Education and English language programs continue their education and pursue new opportunities.

Congratulations to Jean Carrel, Deborah Jean, Luis, María, Nicolás, and Pa Modou on this incredible milestone. Your resilience and determination are an inspiration, and we are honored to be part of your educational journey. We wish you continued success as you take the next steps toward achieving your goals.