From a Member of the Class of 2024

Alex Soriano will be a staff engineer in Mechanical Engineering at Apex Technology in Jacksonville, Florida.

Posted Wednesday, June 12, 2024 8:00 pm

By Alex Soriano

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to The Immokalee Foundation for their unwavering support throughout my academic journey.

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the best University in Florida - Florida State University - I owe a significant portion of my success to The Immokalee Foundation and, through their affiliation, the Take Stock in Children scholarship program.

Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee - from kindergarten through postsecondary education.

Today, as an Immokalee Foundation alumnus, I am one of those lucky leaders. I am preparing to embark on my post-graduation journey at Apex Technology in Jacksonville, Florida, as a staff engineer in Mechanical Engineering.

For those unfamiliar with their work, The Immokalee Foundation provides new pathways to success and financial independence through robust programming that prepares students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, and Healthcare.

The generous funding I received eased my tuition's financial burden and opened doors to countless opportunities. The assistance provided in notifying me of new scholarships, reviewing my essays, and furnishing letters of recommendation was invaluable to my postsecondary success.

Moreover, being matched with an incredible mentor through their outstanding Mentor Program was a transformative experience. This mentorship has been pivotal in my personal and professional growth. I am profoundly grateful for the relationship that blossomed, which would not have been possible without the Foundation's initiative.

The continuous and unconditional love and support I received from everyone at The Immokalee Foundation tremendously impacted my motivation and perseverance. Each time I returned, I felt welcomed and cherished, which became the cornerstone of my drive to succeed.

The guidance and encouragement from the remarkable staff filled a void in my life and fortified my determination to achieve my ambitions. Knowing that so many dedicated individuals had invested their time and effort in my success was a powerful motivator, not as pressure but as a testament to the trust placed in me.

The Immokalee Foundation's dedication—and the generous support they receive from area donors, volunteers, and community partners—ensures that future generations of students will continue receiving the same support and encouragement that was pivotal in my journey.

The Immokalee Foundation has been more than just an organization to me; it has been a family that nurtured and supported me every step of the way.

Thank you for believing in me, for your boundless encouragement, and for making my dreams a reality.

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