Testimonials
Ruth Spence, Metallica Scholar, EKG and Phlebotomy Certification candidate
“I am a divorced and single mother trying to better my financial situation and future. For the past seven years I have worked full time as a medical assistant at a dermatologist office. Although I have found the field so satisfying and fulfilling to me. I have discovered without specific certifications in the medical technology, I am not qualified to make but a bare minimum salary.
Your grant will assist me to get the education I desperately need to make an adequate income to support my son who is now just started his freshman year at The Watson School of Engineering at Binghamton University. Your thoughtfulness and kindness in making sure people like myself can continue to better ourselves’ financially deserve more than just this heartfelt thank you. It deserves my promise that I will pass this kindness on to some other needy person when I am in a better position.”
Rudolph Pallas, Metallica Scholar, COMP TIA A+ 1001 and 1002 Certification candidate
“I am a security guard form a small Italian Neightborhood in lower Westchester County. My mother is a retired school clerk and Bolivian American immigrant; My father is German-American, and aging “tough guy” who took inspiration from those in our family who served in the military and fought the Nazis in WWII. I participated in the Entry Level Help IT Desk Technician training program at WCC, and was delighted to learn that [I am being] partially funded by a grant from one of the giants of Rock ‘n’ Roll history – freakin’ METALLICA!!!
The WCC Metallica Scholars Award is so important to me because your grant for the IT [certifications} is what will help me get my foot in the door to a life changing IT/Cybersecurity career and a whole new world of technology. You guys rock because you have shown with the All Within My Hands Foundation that you all care about the community and the future of the workforce in the United States.”
Rosa Sinchi, Metallica Scholar, Certified Medical Assistant Certification candidate
“I’ve always had an interest in the healthcare field for as long as I can remember. I have some experience working in this field as a Certified Nursing Assistant. My overall goal eventually will be to become a registered nurse. I am currently participating in the Clinical Medical Assistant program. At the end of the program I will take my CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam which I know with hard work and dedication I will pass and be certified as a Medical Assistant.
I know the future lies in my hands as I am the master of my fate and captain of my ship. Education is important because it provides stability in life, and it is something that no one can ever take away from you. My daughter Melody is one year old. She is my rock and motivation and I want to be an example and positive role model for her.
Receiving this award will help me rock the workforce using my certificate and obtaining employment in the healthcare field. I will work hard and eventually take what I learned in the program and go on furthering my education and employment opportunities. With more experience and education, I will be applying to nursing school and become a Registered Nurse.”
Berlinette Tejada, Metallica Scholar, Paralegal Certification candidate
I am 36 years old and I live in White Plains, NY. I have three children 18, 13 and 3 years old, whom I am raising as single mother, my children mean the world to me. I must show my children how important it is to have an education in life, to set goals for themselves, to do the right things to have a great future. I would like my children to have everything I could not have.
My son recently graduated high school June 2020; I was so proud of him. I waited years to go back to school because I wanted my son to complete his education with no worries. I decided to enroll in WCC July 2020, because it was time to think about myself, and my children, I wanted to start accomplishing all my dreams. I am currently in the Paralegal Program to receive my associate degree; I am very proud of myself that I am back in school.
Education is important to me because I always wanted to have a moment in my life where I can walk the stage, accomplish everything that I have ever wanted, to show my children everything is possible at any age, I would love for my parents to see me finish my education and make them proud.
Helen Degaglia, Metallica Scholar, COMPTIA A+ Certification candidate
I am the secretary of a special education school in Westchester County, New York. I am currently enrolled in the IT help desk technician course at Westchester Community College and will be taking the COMPTIA A+ certification upon completion. Working at a school with students who inspire you to give it your best each day gave me the motivation to go back to school. When the nation went into the lock down and schools went virtual, my role as a secretary took on new responsibilities. I made sure students and staff had laptops to use at home and the support to transition to a virtual platform.
I enjoy being able to provide staff and students the tools and understanding they need to connect with one another. I would like to take the skills I learn and provide schools the technology and support they need to reach their students. It was difficult financially to commit to school, I took a chance when I saw the Metallica Scholars. You have been a part of the soundtrack of my life for over twenty-five years, I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity, this means the world to me.
Kwame White, Metallica Scholar, Respiratory Therapy Certification candidate
My passion is helping others. Coronavirus made me lose my overnight job back in March and I have been in a very tough spot ever since. When I first entered WCC, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. After hearing about the Respiratory Therapy program, I decided to give it a chance. I heard about the amazing job opportunities that lie ahead after graduation. Countless hours of studying and hard work ended up paying off in the end. Going through this process has made me realize how essential education is. Education=Opportunity. Despite the hardships, I was able to graduate on time, pass both my state board exams with high marks, and secure a full time position at a children’s hospital right out of school. I could not be more excited to help treat kids, fight COVID and “rock the workforce” on the front lines as an essential worker.
I am very thankful that I have had support from Metallica, my school and the respiratory community. This award will change my life because it will help me pay for my bills and put food on the table until I begin working next month. This award has given me hope that there are people that believe in me and want me to do good and spread it in return. Respiratory therapists are needed now more than ever and I am willing to do my part! I am glad I can be a part of history as a COVID warrior. THANK YOU AGAIN METALLICA!!
Ashley Justo, Metallica Scholar, EKG Technician Certification candidate
My teenage years were not easy. After high school I floated from job to job to make ends meet, but nothing that would lead to a career. I finally decided that it was time to go back to school so I could make a better life for myself and with the help of your scholarship that is finally happening. With your help I will be able to change lives for many people. With the right tools and education provided by Westchester Community College I can identify heart arrhythmia’s on an EKG rhythm strip. With this knowledge I can spot irregularities and provide help before the situation becomes more serious. I would like to say thank you for your overwhelming generosity in providing me with a scholarship. I will not let you down, and I hope to make you proud.
Emma Tollinchi, Metallica Scholar, Paralegal Certification candidate
I am writing to thank you for your generous scholarship. I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your scholarship. I am in the Paralegal Certification Program with concentration in administrative law and plan on graduating from WCC to pursue a career as an Accredited Legal Professional (ALP). Moreover, thanks to you I expect to graduate in the spring of 2022 with an ALP Certification. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to my goal of being of service in my community. By awarding me the Metallica Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden which permits me to focus more on the most important aspect of college – education. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. Thank you for believing in me, Metallica Scholars.
Karen Sanchez, Metallica Scholar, Phlebotomy Certification candidate
I am so thankful to have been one of the recipients of this Metallica Scholarship. I am currently taking a medical assistant class so I can work and gain experience before applying to a physician assistant school, which is my main goal. I just graduated college this year and can’t wait to be more successful and make my parents proud since I am the first generation that went to college.
My parents have always supported me emotionally and financially, and receiving this scholarship has made my parents and me feel very thankful because education is not cheap but it is all worth it. This award means so much because every penny counts and now instead of using our money to purchase the exam, we can use it to help buy scrubs I will be needing once I pass the exam and find a job. I know my future holds tons of blessings and this is just one of them.
Shelly Ann Leslie, Metallica Scholar, CCA Certification candidate
I’m an international student from Jamaica currently living in the Bronx. My major is Health Information Technology and I’m planning on taking the CCA exam to get my coding credentials. I’m grateful for this opportunity and that I have been chosen as a Metallica Scholar. This award will make a huge impact on my life as this will assist me in having a chance to get one step further to my aspirations. It’s very hard being in a foreign country and not having the same amount of support you see your other peers have from their family, but at the same time it’s exciting as life is unpredictable, and with this award I can see so many opportunities waiting in the horizon to be discovered and explored. Again, I am so grateful for this and thank you so very much. I will rock the workforce and contribute to society with the knowledge I’ve obtained since I’ve been in this program.
Nyeleli Hlungwane, Metallica Scholar, Phlebotomy Certification candidate
I am from South Africa and am currently in the U.S. on an au pair program. I hope to become a Registered Nurse and work specifically with children. I want to sincerely thank you for your generous award. I am slowly working my way up the nursing field. The Metallica Scholarship afforded me a chance to take my exam and become a certified phlebotomist, which has allowed me to kick start my career in nursing. As an international student, tuition/fees are very expensive. It might seem small, but this award has helped me start a fruitful educational journey, a journey I have longed to embark on for several years. Now I believe I can reach my goals.
My mother is a professional nurse working in the trauma unit in South Africa’s biggest hospital. She is the reason I choose to go into nursing. She is smart, gentle, caring and successful; everything I want for myself. The WCC phlebotomy certificate program was so exciting I enjoyed learning new subjects. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to experience the American culture and education system. Now I feel confident to rock the workforce with my newly acquired skills and eagerness. I am well-equipped and certified! Thank you so much; your help does not go unnoticed!
Hongyan Xu, Metallica Scholar, IBM Data Science Certification candidate
I am writing this letter to really thank you for your generosity and support from the bottom of my heart. I am a working mother and am living with my husband and daughter. I am honored and thankful to be chosen as a Metallica Scholar, which gives me the opportunity to learn skills in the field of data science. I have gained much deeper understanding about programming and data processing. I have learned various technological tools which help me improve my working efficiency in my current employment.
The staff at Westchester Community College is really nice and helpful and they helped me finish all the procedures to get enrolled in this program. The professor is also responsible and knowledgeable to help us students navigate through the learning journey. Thanks again Metallica Foundation for your scholarship and giving. I hope one day I could return back to society just as you are doing today. The spirit of generosity and contribution will inspire me all through.
Kojo Oaklinton, Metallica Scholar, IBM Data Science Certification candidate
I recently relocated to the United States to join my new wife and family. Starting a new life in a new country with an already made family was a Herculean task that I was ready to tackle, but beyond that I wanted to enter the American workforce with skills that would prove very useful to supporting my responsibilities. Having held a prior IT position back in my home country of Ghana, I was immediately interested in taking the IBM certification course and was even more encouraged and surprised to learn that not only was I going to get the opportunity to join the class, but I was going to get a Metallica scholarship to help offset the expenses. I cannot express my utter surprise and gratitude at the news. I had the huge burden of figuring out how to pay for the course lifted off my shoulders.
I would like to thank you for the good you do in the community. Of course, living in Ghana, I had heard about Metallica but never for a minute thought this rock band had a charitable side to it. I am now a fan and forever indebted to you and your generosity in helping ordinary people like me get skills so they can join the workforce as I am doing.
Damaris Veloz, Metallica Scholar, Health Information Technology Certification candidate
I would like to thank you for the award you have given me, which will certainly give me the advantage to focus even more on my studies. I am a single mother of three children, ages 22, 20 and 17. Since the day they were born, all my efforts were put towards them. At one point when they were quite young, I did attempt to go to college, but this became too much of a burden, as the children continually needed me and found it difficult when I was not available for them.
However, when they became teenagers, I told myself that I would pursue my studies, and this became a realization when my two oldest graduated high school. My education is very important to me. I want to be an example for my children, to prove that anything is possible, at any age, if one is willing to work hard and dedicate him or herself to the pursuit of learning. When I graduate from Westchester Community College, I will continue to advance my degree, as well as find a career in managing a department. I will “Rock the Workforce” by applying the knowledge I have gained in my new adventure.
Sungjin Lim, Metallica Scholar, Phlebotomy Certification candidate
Our family emigrated from Korea to the US because my younger son needed medical care and because American medicine was more advanced and we thought it could cure children’s illnesses. My husband was an IT programmer, but since coming to the US he has been working as a sushi chef. As I took care of my son, I wanted to learn more about my son’s illness and study. So I decided to become a nurse, studied hard even late, and entered the nursing program in 2020. I want to be a good nurse. I thought it would be good to have good skills in order to be able to give trust to patients, and I got a phlebotomy certificate, which is an essential skill for a nurse.
There are so many opportunities to learn at WCC. When I first started studying, it was for my younger son, but as I continued to study I realized that there are so many diseases in this world and many patients who are still suffering from those diseases. I want to help them do the best I can. I will graduate next winter. Meanwhile, my husband has to take care of our family with the money he has worked in the restaurant, but his low income is not enough to live for four people. However, while I study, the Metallica Scholarship really helps my family and my studies.
Whenever my younger son is sick and admitted to the hospital, I see children who are sick more than my son, and I hope to dedicate my life to my son and for them. I would like to express my indescribable gratitude to Metallica for helping me achieve my dreams.