Testimonials
Quinnell Williams – CPT Module I
Thank you for sponsoring me to be a WCC Metallic Scholar for the Advanced Manufacturing Program. It’s an honor to be in this program. I am 26 years old and I have lived in Yonkers for over 10 years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design Technology and create art in my spare time. Education is important to me because you can only grow by what you know. While networking is important having access to a diverse education expands your self-esteem on who you can be. I did not even enough what I wanted to do with my life after high school but once I enrolled in my Graphic Design Major in college I knew I wanted to impact the world with art.
I was looking for a new path to a better career and I believe this program can help strengthen my design ability and learn ways of how to develop innovate products. I have always had an interest in manufacturing. With the help of this program I see myself working in Manufacturing Industry and using my design skills to create an eco friendly fashion line. I believe I can blend my knowledge of graphic design and the skills of manufacturing to bring new ideas to my employers on how to improve their products to appeal to multiple markets. I can finally see myself having a stable career toward financial freedom. Thank you again for this opportunity, I will make sure to rock the workforce.
Luis Sime – CPT Module I
My name is Luis Sime and I’m writing this letter to thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a Certified Production Technician. I’ve always wanted to get into this wonderful field, but was unable to afford the training. This scholarship will allow me to get the training I need to find a job I can grow at and retire with. I have a wife and daughter at home who are just as grateful for this opportunity as I am. I’ll make sure to Rock The Workforce and show employers that you guys are investing in quality people. Again, thank you so much for this opportunity.
Geoffrey Radow – CPT Module I
Thank you for the generous grant that will make it possible for me to pursue certification in advanced manufacturing through Westchester Community College. I appreciate this opportunity.
I like to work with my hands, including building models. I also like to fix things that deserve a second chance, which is something I’ve done with furniture repair and restoration. In addition to paid work, I have restored furniture that was donated to homeless families getting a new home. Sometimes the donated furniture needs its dignity restored before it finds a new family. I feel good about being a part of that.
This training will allow me to focus on my preference for hands-on work and take it to a new level by improving my skills and expanding my reach in the workforce and in life.
As technology advances, I will be in a better position to use that technology to keep up with the world’s needs. While I don’t know specifically what I will do with this certification, I intend to put it to use in an arena that helps to sustain our world. I’ll pay it forward.
Dhaved Lyttle – CPT Module I
I come from a household with 12 siblings and I’m a fraternal twin. Coming from a big family taught me two key values which are unity and teamwork that are essential in overcoming any obstacle in life. Being that I use Unity and teamwork for any major obstacle, i believe that I would be a great addition to the program. I can’t wait to be apart of this program because my education means everything to me. I truly believe that education is the foundation to success, the knowledge that is gained helps to mold one’s future. The certifications granted in this program will be able to give me an advantage in the job market, while helping to educate me along the way.
This award is important me because I’m excited to learn and experience new skills provided throughout the duration of the program. I know this award would change my life by elevating my education and my work ethic switching gears into something more career focused with almost unlimited opportunities.
I’ve always wanted to educate myself and gain more knowledge within the technician field. I would be able to use my certificate(s)to my advantage within most industry organizations, which means it would be applicable to most jobs in any field I’m interested in. In the future, I see myself being successful in any field of work I choose. I can see myself being high up in the company/industry, or even having my own company. I want to be able to start generational wealth for my future kids/family and invest in some significant properties. Like Metallica states, I would “rock the workspace” by being hardworking, determined, and ambitious. I will use my skills of unity and teamwork to help me further my education and my knowledge, while helping others around me to achieve the same goals we have in common. Teamwork is an essential part of any work place because it provides insight, helps motivate those around you, and it helps make better decisions for the company/industry. I would be able to succeed in the work force by applying the skill of teamwork in any setting. Thank you for considering me as a prospective student for this program, it would an honor to have the Metallica program to help further my education, my skills, and my knowledge.
Simon Sairitupa – PLC Certification in Partnership with George Brown College
Thank you for the generous Metallica Scholarship tuition for the PLC Program taught online through Westchester Community College in Partnership with George Brown College.
I am currently working in a manufacturing that makes terminal parts, that are used in the Printed Circuit Boards (PCB), which are used in electronics devices, and complex system units. The department I work in is called Applicator Department, we test the new machines and repaired them, we don’t build these machines in-house and the Applicator Machines used PLC Allen Bradley. This has motivated me to learn more about PLC (Programmable Logic Control).
Carlos Merino – Electromechanical Program in Partnership with George Brown College
I’m a student and full-time auto mechanic at Tesla. I became an auto mechanic when my parents divorced and started working with my father who also happens to be a mechanic. I left a computer science college program at the first semester because I was sad at their divorce, didn’t have enough money and needed time to take care of my little sister when my mother had to work. My mechanical skills always leaned more to the diagnosis and electrical troubleshooting. I felt like I needed to go back to school but at the same time got used to working on cars and never bothered to try. I started doing my research and found an online engineering science program at finger lakes community college. I signed up but I’m still working on collecting the money to register for the classes. Money is only one issue. The other issue is that it’s being 12 years since the last time I went to school and even though I’m very good at math, Electricity and physics I felt like I needed a boost, a refresher, something to wake up the student that felt asleep inside my body for 12 years. I found the Electromechanical program at Westchester Community College and decided to sign up, to take it slow and pay module by module so that I could afford it, until I received the news that you could be covering the payment for the modules. The news made my day but it can also make my future. I’m very thankful for the opportunity that you are giving me by paying the course for the Electromechanical program. This will allow me to start my dreams and achieve them. To detach from the auto mechanic career and move into the engineering path. My goal is after I finish the Electromechanical program funded my Metallica to continue into becoming an Electromechanical Engineer at Stony brook university.
I’m going to save this letter myself so that I can read it 6 years from now and see how far I have gotten. Hopefully working for Tesla engineering team by then or ASML chip company. I thank you so much for allowing me to dream. For allowing me to say that if I put my effort these dreams could become a reality
You are helping this country and the world by helping students achieve their goals and all that will come back to you with lots of blessings ? THANK YOU!!!
Thomas Riley – NIMS Module I
My name is Thomas Riley and I really appreciate the opportunity you have given me. I am twenty one years old and I have been working in my uncle’s machine shop after school since I was in freshman year of high school. I have experience working on older, conventional lathes and milling machines in my uncle’s shop. I was hired as a machinist for Westchester county in June, but I do not have the experience to use the CNC mill at work yet.
I have always been fascinated by CNC machining and wanted to learn how to program and setup the machine for more advanced work, but my uncle’s shop did not have any CNC machines to practice on. I have wanted to take advanced manufacturing classes to increase my abilities, but I have struggled to come up with the funds to enroll in these courses. This award will allow me to take the necessary classes to operate all the machines at work. The NIMS certifications from the classes will afford me many advantages for me in my future by developing my resume and allowing me to get promotions I otherwise would not have qualified for. After I have become a proficient CNC machinist I want to work for a large company such as Boeing where I would be machining engines and the frames for planes and hopefully one day I could be creating projects for companies venturing into outer space.
As Mama Said life is an open book and I want to keep reading. I could not thank you enough for providing me the opportunity to go to school and succeed in my industry.
Jaime Lopez-Perez – CPT+ Module I
First, I would like to thank you for the scholarship that I’ve been granted, and for allowing me to advance in my career. This scholarship will help me tremendously to build a better future for myself. I started furthering my education by going to Mercy College full-time in the fall of 2019. At Mercy College, I had planned to major in computer science. On top of being a full-time student, I also was working part-time at McDonald’s. I was at Mercy College for 3 semesters before COVID-19 hit and everything was moved to online learning. This was a tough transition for me because I do not consider myself a fully remote learner. I believe that my learning style requires that I have some in-person and hands-on learning to be able to grasp the material. After completing my second fall semester, I decided that it was best to take a break from school because it didn’t feel the same. Shortly after I saw an opportunity to work at Bantam Tools, a machine manufacturing company located in Peekskill, New York, I resigned from Mcdonald’s to begin a position in which I had no previous experience in. At Bantam Tools, I am a mechanical assembler working in a production line that creates our desktop CNC milling machines. Not only was I willing to take on the challenge, but Bantam Tools was willing to take the chance on me.
Challenging myself is something that I’ve always done. Before the pandemic, I was a full-time student with a part-time job who was able to keep up with my schoolwork. This opportunity to take on yet another challenge will help me grow as an individual and help further my career. I am ready to take on this challenge. This program will provide me with the opportunities to advance in my career path as a production technician. This will also help me pass my knowledge on to my coworkers. My goal and dream as a future production technician is to be able to solve problems, and to create asignificant impact on others and in my position as technician.
Edgar do Feliciano – CPT+ Module I
First and foremost, I would like to extend my thanks to your foundation for allowing me to further my studies by awarding me the “All Within My Hands” scholarship. At a noticeably early age, I was tinkering with small components trying to make something out of nothing. I was fascinated by how things were put together. I would disassemble anything from RC cars, bikes, and computers, you name it, to reassemble it again. I always faced problems and challenged myself to come up with solutions. In middle school, I had the opportunity to enroll in a robotics class; in high school, the opportunity presented itself again, and I took it without hesitation. These classes made my passion for electronics, robotics, and building grow exponentially. I always looked for a job that could offer me the opportunity to work on anything related to electrical, robotics, and assembling. Fast forward two years, and I work at Bantam Tools as a manufacturing technician dealing directly with CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machines and precision tools that I love. When I was presented with the CPT (Certified Production Technician) program, I instantly knew this was a terrific way to improve my skills and, at the same time, advance my career. Education is vital to me because I consider it the backbone to furthering my career in this field. Through this program, I can continue acquiring knowledge and improving the skills that I already possess. This award has changed my life and eased my financial worries. I will be able to place all my focus on my classes without worrying about the financial aspect. In the future, I see myself continuing my education while still gaining experience in the workforce, on my way to achieving my dream of becoming an Engineer.
Robert Allan – CPT+ Module I
First and foremost, I want to thank James, Rob, Kirk, and Lars for such a great opportunity. My name is Robert Allan. I love going to see live music any chance I can. I’m a United States Army veteran and currently working as a mechanical assembler at Bantam Tools in Peekskill, NY.
I received my associates degree in 2018 from Westchester Community College after my time in the Army, so I haven’t been in school for a few years but I’m looking to continue with the never ending pursuit of knowledge. I’m interested in going back to school to pursue my bachelors degree and getting this scholarship is going to help jump start that process. The financial commitment needed to return to school is daunting, so this generous scholarship means that I can focus on other necessities like rent and food.
This scholarship represents a unique opportunity for me to apply current work knowledge and life experience to a course that will strengthen my mechanical background. Becoming a Certified Production Technician will open countless opportunities for my future and make me an even better mechanical assembler. I am excited for the challenge of learning more about the many aspects of production and being in a classroom setting again.
Working hard and challenging myself with the course material and in person training will bring me success at school and work. And all of this is made possible by the band’s incredible contribution. Thank you again so very much for being stewards of learning as well as great music.
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.