Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of African Americans to our society and culture. From the abolitionist movement, to the civil rights movement, from music and artistry to politics and business, African Americans have made a lasting impact on our world.
This month we will be celebrating the many achievements of African Americans in history. From Frederick Douglass’s powerful speech ‘What Color is Your Love?’ which helped inspire a new wave of activism for equality; to Harriet Tubman’s daring rescue missions into slave territory; from Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier; to Barack Obama becoming the first African American president of the United States.
Stayed tuned in with us as we feature highlight of our awesome FTC team member as well as some fun Trivia!
We hope that you enjoy this month as much as we do!
Meet Akerah Sade Carter: Financial Aid Coordinator- Lakeland Campus
1. How long have you worked in education? How long at FTC?
Akerah has worked in education for 9 years and 4 months and it has been all in FTC.
2. What Does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History month acknowledges our predecessors; it shows where we come from and the struggles our ancestors did for us to be where we are. My grandfather joined the March with Martin Luther King and that is a part of my heritage that I am proud of.
3. What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
I think the fact that my grandparents were unable to attend school really made me want to do well in class as a kid. I loved reading and the fact that my grandfather was illiterate and my grandmother could barely read always weighed heavy on me. I always wondered, What kind of life did they live where something we take for granted was a privilege?
4. What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become leaders today?
My advice would be to learn to take constructive criticism. Yes there will be many people who just offer criticism however, being aware of areas you can improve will impact you in a positive way. Even leaders and role models need constructive criticism and feedback to constantly improve their work or leadership.
5. What is your favorite mantra or quote?
” A frog in a well knows nothing of the sea.” It is a Japanese proverb that means people are often clouded by their own limited perspective. It’s usually used to remind someone that there are things that are bigger than them out in the world.
6. Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I don’t have one favorite color because I love so many colors. When people usually ask I tell them my favorite color is the rainbow.
Meet Fanetta Crawford: Regional Assistant Director of Financial Aid- DeLand Campus
How long have you worked in education? How long at FTC?
I have worked in education for 12 years and I have been at FTC for almost 2 months.
What Does Black History Month mean to you?
Black history helps me to not only remember the struggles that has occurred in the past, but also the victories that has come along with and after those struggles. It gives me the opportunity to honor those that were here before me. I am appreciative of the blessings I have been afforded because of the struggles of black people that were here before me.
What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
A moment in black history that helped shape my career is Brown vs. Board of Education. This helped me to realize without education we cannot go far. I enjoy helping people reach that pivotal point in their lives. With limitations like this historical event, it was harder to go to school because of laws like this being in place. Thankfully, things have changed and evolved to where anyone can go to the school of their choice no matter what their race is.
What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become leaders today?
My advice to anyone that is looking to start their career is for them to go do research on the opportunities they are striving for. Make sure you have the education needed to fulfill that particular position. If you do not have the education, go and get it. Be humble when you are doing so. You never know who is watching.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
I am the Head and not the tail. I am Above and not beneath. Whatever God has for me is for me and no one can take it away.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am a sucker for saltwater fishing (from a pier of course).
Meet Francisco Atiles: Career Services Coordinator- Lakeland Campus
How long have you worked in Education?
I worked in the education field for over 5 years.
How long you worked at FTC?
I’ve been at FTC for a total of 2 years.
What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become leaders today?
Change is difficult because to change we must step out of our comfort zone, which can be scary. Everything we try to do in the time of change might not work at first because it’s new to us, so don’t get discouraged and keep moving forward. We will encounter so many obstacles in our path during this time of change but remember to keep moving forward. You will find yourself in a situation where you’re questioning yourself and want to quite. Just remember to keep moving forward because, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel and become the person you want to be.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! (Rocky Balboa)
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
Since I could remember, I have always wanted to be a fighter pilot. After that, I wanted to stay and teach the new cadets how to fly or become a law enforcement officer. Yes, I was a big fan of Top Gun and Iron Eagle.
Do you have a favorite recipe or dish from your favorite restaurant that you’d like to share with us?
My favorite recipe is “Pelau” that comprises Rice, Pigeon Peas and Chicken.
Does this recipe or dish have a specific significance to you?
This has special significance because in my birthplace of Trinidad and Tobago this was a staple dish because it is affordable and tasty.
What Does Black History Month mean to you?
Black history month reminds me of the significant contributions that blacks made over the years especially in the field of engineering.
What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
Early in my life I was impressed by the impact of Martin Luther King through a calypso composed by one of our artists in Trinidad that was acclaimed as a classic.
What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become leaders today?
I always tell my students to aim for perfection and strive to be a leader and not a follower.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
My famous quote is “If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go .” – James Baldwin
Meet Selena Guzman: Medical Assistant Technician with Basic X Ray Student- DeLand Campus
How long have you been studying at FTC?
I have been enrolled since January!
What Does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means a time for African Americans, along with others of all races, to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments we have contributed to todays society and being proud about it.
What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
Definitely the 1965 Voters Rights for African Americans that was signed into effect by President Lyndon B Johnson. That’s a close second to the obvious Martin Luther King Jr, but voters right is always a thing that resonates due to it giving us a voice that we didn’t have before and another way of being heard – which everyone should have the opportunity to have!
What advice do you have for people looking to continue their education, or take the next step and their careers?
Just do it! Don’t doubt yourself or what will come about with things, if you don’t take that step then you won’t be where you want to be.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I once met the Denver Nuggets team, of course they were on the other side of the court and there was 500 other people but still the same.
Anything else you would like to share?
Black history can be celebrated by everyone and it’s a time to come together, not being separated of all times. Love life!
Meet Shayla Vincent: BS, Business Administration Student- Orlando Campus, Online
How long have you been studying at FTC?
I have been studying at FTC since October 2021.
What Does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History for me is a time to reflect on how far we have come while remembering the tremendous contributions of African Americans. It is also a time to plan and develop for the future because we still have a long way to go.
What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
I was young but I remember how good it felt and how happy my family was when Barack Obama became President of the United States. It made me feel like I can do anything.
What advice do you have for people looking to continue their education, or take the next step and their careers?
DO IT! I have gone to other schools, but I was not as successful as I have been here at NUC-FTC. I have school pride and often refer my friends and relatives looking to further their education to NUC.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“If you want something different, you have got to do something different. Change begins with you.” – Pastor Jomo Cousins
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A fun fact about me is that even at 22 years old, I love Princess Tiana from the Disney movie Princess and the Frog. She taught me about hard work and to never give up no matter how tough things get.
Anything else you would like to share?
I have a beautiful baby girl named Aniya Angel Duran. She is my motivation.
Meet Adam Walker: Information Technology with Emphasis in Cyber Security Student- Lakeland Campus
How long have you been studying at FTC?
I started FTC in October of 2020
What Does Black History Month mean to you?
For me, Black History Month is about reflection and inspiration, viewing how past events in black history have shaped our ways today.
What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
One moment in black history that has always resonated with and awed me was the town of Greenwood, Oklahoma known as Black Wall Street and what it represented.
What advice do you have for people looking to continue their education, or take the next step and their careers?
The same advice I was given, “Just do it, you’ll regret it the more time you waste.” Find a curriculum that works with your schedule and go for it.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“Live and let live” has always been a favorite of mine. And a part from one of Barack Obama’s speeches, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I can’t help but watch the John Wick movies when I see them on TV.
Black history month means to me is continuing the legacy of being a black king or queen moving through life in greatness and success! Continuing to shock the World.
What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
Madam CJ Walker, because I consider myself a self made millionaire.
What advice do you have for people looking to continue their education, or take the next step and their careers?
Invest in yourself and always move forward. Embrace fear and use it as motivation.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“Do not wait. The time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along” -Napoleon Hill.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
The late Congressman John Lewis is my relative.
Anything else you would like to share?
I am the owner of Kiera Nicole Salon and Kiera Nicole Cosmetics located at 12451 S Orange blossom Trail Suite 118 Orlando, FL 32837. Celebrity stylist and personal unisex stylist.
Meet Christina A. Newbold: Medical Assistant Technician with Emphasis in Basic X-RayStudent- Kissimmee Campus
How long have you been studying at FTC?
1 year.
What Does Black History Month mean to you?
Black history month means a lot to me I don’t think is only a month for me but it’s a whole year and it shows the great people that done so much for us and create things that is new and old today.
What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
What resonates to me in black history month is Rosa Parks on the bus they told her to give up her seat while going home and she choose not to that’s a lot of strength to say no and be firm with your answer in my career be firm with you be firm with your intentions and if you believe in yourself nothing can hold your back.
What advice do you have for people looking to continue their education, or take the next step and their careers?
My advice to anyone who wants to continue or take next steps in the careers you have to believe in yourself even when no one believes in you sometimes the going can be unbearable and want to quit never stop but if you need take a break take a break and do it again the most important thing is to never stop.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“Who God bless no man curse.”
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I love reading.
Anything else you would like to share?
Make your dreams your reality and if you feel something is not for you don’t force yourself to think it’s for you when is not.
Meet Mohior Hooten: Medical Assistant TechnicianStudent- Kissimmee Campus
How long have you been studying at FTC?
I’ve been studying at FTC for six months.
What Does Black History Month mean to you?
Black history month means recognition and appreciation to me. My culture is recognized and celebrated for the changes African Americans made in history and it makes me proud to be part of history.
What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
The moment Barack Obama became president showed me that I have a chance to be whatever I choose to be in this world. This moment showed all African Americans that we can and will continue to change history.
What advice do you have for people looking to continue their education, or take the next step and their careers?
For the people that want to continue their education, always remember that the one thing that could never be taken from you is what you learn.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached, but by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” -Booker T. Washington
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
Fun fact my name is Muslim and it means a special gift.
Meet Keithlethia Cuyler: BS, Business Administration Student- Orlando Campus
How long have you been studying at FTC?
I have been studying at FTC for 3 Months.
What Does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month to me is celebrating the evolution of inclusion in regard to the African American Culture.
What is a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
I resonate with the moment Madame C.J Walker worked to make her products and brand (MIC) recognized. I am a black leader and entrepreneur myself so when I feel inadequate of my positions and roles, I think about how Madame C.J Walker paved the way for black leaders and entrepreneurs like myself.
What advice do you have for people looking to continue their education, or take the next step and their careers?
My advice to others looking to take that next step in education or in their career would be to be FEARLESS, DO WHAT MAKES YOU A BETTER INDIVIDUAL, AND TELL THAT SELF-DOUBT THAT YOU ARE DESERVING OF TAKING THAT NEXT STEP.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.” -Deion Sanders
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am a gluten free/ plant based food blogger that teaches about the benefits of a GF/ Plant based diet as well as how to incorporate your kids in the kitchen.
Anything else you would like to share?
I am a private chef and a confidence building coach that specializes in helping people to thrive as their authentic self.
I began my journey at FTC in August 2022. I was the primary caregiver for my elderly mother who was suffering from diabetes and complications of heart failure. The reason that I began the class was so that I could learn more about what the nurses where doing who were caring for her. While being in the medical assistant course I have gained a better understanding of basic life saving techniques, pharmacology, medical terminology and so much more. The classes are great and the instructors really go the extra mile to make me feel included.
