Polk PTA Alumnus Jorge Espinosa: Restoring Functionality and Hope
While studying at Polk State College, Jorge Espinosa learned all the textbook knowledge for his new career as a physical therapist assistant, but more importantly, he learned when to put his textbooks aside. “I remember…
Polk State Winter Haven’s Newest Librarian: Don’t Even Try to Judge This Book By Its Cover
Disclaimer: News@Polk does not support the use of clichés, but in this case, we couldn’t resist. They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, and that’s definitely the case with Jarrod Jones, the…
Polk’s Associate Dean of Student Services Yulonda Bell Has Built a Career on Putting Students First
It’s a weekday morning and Yulonda Bell has agreed to be interviewed about her new position as Polk State Winter Haven’s associate dean of student services. But sitting down and talking about herself — frankly, she…
Respiratory Care Alumna Says Program Allowed Her to Start a Career and Family on Her Terms
Ammany Shihaibar knew where she wanted to end up in life, and with help from Polk State, she got there, right on time. “If it hadn’t been for Polk State and the Respiratory Care program,”…
Polk Nursing Alum Delivers “I Actually Do Care” to Patients at LRMC’s Emergency Department
When Greg Baisden thinks about the difference he gets to make for patients every day, he thinks about an elderly woman, her daughter, and his cell phone. Not too long ago, Baisden, a Registered Nurse…
Grove Worker to College Graduate: Polk State Alumnus Daniel Jaime Uses His Life Story to Advocate for Education
Daniel Jaime was raised in Polk County’s orange groves. As a baby, he slept in a picking sack tied from the tree branches. As a toddler, his playpen was a fruit crate. When he outgrew…
Twanna Dewdney, Two-Time Polk Grad, Uses Salon as AIDS Test Site, Place of Hope
Yes, she cuts hair and does makeup for a living, but the words “stylist” or “cosmetologist” don’t come close to describing Twanna “T-Fay” Dewdney’s work. “Advocate” is much more accurate. Dewdney, a two-time Polk State…
Polk State Grad Finds Fulfillment Each Day in Work as Paramedic
Two pivotal years and a Polk State degree set Margaret Orozco on a path she never thought possible, and in following it, she’s found fulfillment she never could have imagined. “I love coming to work,” said…
Polk Dean Focused on Accessibility: “We Have to Help Students See Themselves Here”
For Polk State’s Sylvester Little, education — literally overnight — saved him from poverty. In the decades since, he’s helped countless students believe in their own potential, achieve their goals, and transform their lives. He’ll continue…
Polk State Alumnus Receives Scholarship to Study at Juilliard School
This fall, like millions of students across the country, Polk State alumnus AJ Stillabower will be heading back to the classroom. Only it will be a classroom at the renowned Juilliard School. And he will…