- Degree program: Nursing
When Keila Arencibia arrived in the United States from Cuba five years ago, her first challenge was learning the English language. She interned at Syracuse's Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) where she enjoyed talking to people and learning the language through conversation. She also worked on her English at home. "I started watching kids movies, I read books for young students and translated the words into English. Movies and books really helped."
While growing up in Cuba, Arencibia dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had always been interested in a career related to health care. A conversation at EOC set her on her path. "I talked to someone there whose wife is a nurse. When I realized all of the opportunities that went along with nursing, I decided it was what I wanted to do."
Arencibia enrolled at OCC in 2017 and began working on her Nursing prerequisite courses. She regularly received assistance from the College's Educational Opportunity Program and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program. Her coursework was so outstanding she was inducted into OCC's chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa. The chapter has been ranked among the top five in the world each of the last two years.
She has also been an active member of OCC's Council on Diversity and Inclusion. This semester she's been working to bring together Hispanic students within the Nursing degree program. "When I started in the Nursing program it was hard for me to get used to everything. If I had another Hispanic student I could have spoken with it would have helped. I want Hispanic students to know they have help and are not alone."
Earlier this year her sister Milka earned her Business Administration degree from OCC and is currently attending Le Moyne College. Keila will complete work toward her Nursing degree next May. She plans to transfer to SUNY Upstate Medical University. "My goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner and go to different countries and help people."
