Boca Magazine Across the Finish Line

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The Viner Scholarship Program means that Dreams Can be True. Many students have a hard time with college, especially immigrants like me. This program is all about supporting a future for all students with different backgrounds so we can make the difference for the world to come. The Viner Scholarship Program is the reason I am able to move forward in life. This program has opened so many doors to me that now I have the opportunity to take chances that only a few were able to take. Viner Scholar Program is the bases of my success, whether in emotional support, financial support, or guidance in my journey.

Diego Gama

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To me, The Viner Scholarship Program means hope. The Viner family has done unimaginable work with not just their scholars, but across generations and communities. This scholarship has inspired and instilled a sense of determination and grit in not just its scholars, but the families of them as well. The Viners Scholarship Program has helped me in many ways, one way in particular is through mentorship. My mentor is someone who I hold close to my heart! Since our first interaction my mentor Jackie and I have had a strong connection. The Viner family feels like a second family to me, like my very own mother - they have been so proud of my accomplishments. Thank you to the Viner’s, love always.

Ryan Rankine

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The Viner Scholarship Program has served me with a community full of unending support that begins with financial assistance and extends to a lifelong impact. By having both a Viner-assigned mentor who’s nurtured my growth and a collective of UCF Viner recipients to participate in scholar activities with, the Viner Scholarship has enriched my college experience with invaluable opportunities and an undeniably supportive community. Being relieved of the weight of financial responsibility as a first-generation student, I have been able to fully immerse myself in my academic achievements and gain experience in my field through internships and networking. The fact that my mentor was specifically chosen with the consideration of our compatibility showcased another instance of just how much this foundation cares about the well-being of each of its recipients. Eda and Cliff Viner truly invest in all aspects of their recipients’ futures to ensure our success, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of their long-term investment in me.

Aaliyah Ali

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The Viner Scholarship Program supports my dreams. I am able to pursue my passions without having to worry about finances. Beyond supporting my education financially, the Viner Scholarship Program has paired me with an amazing mentor that has grown to be my confidant and motivator. Bridging the college education gap while allowing scholars who are transcending into their adulthood to pursue their passions epitomizes the mission of Viner. To me, Viner is a new beginning. A year ago I was starting my first semester at community college, now I am attending my dream nursing school, the University of Central Florida’s College of Nursing, debt-free. I was able to graduate summa cum laude with an AA in health sciences, and I am now pursuing my BSN. I will become a registered nurse, and upon experience and more schooling, a nurse anesthetist. There is nothing you cannot achieve, no matter the cards you were dealt or the struggles you face. The sky isn’t the limit, look beyond the stars.

Marcia Elien

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Going to college would still be a dream without the Viner Scholarship Program; the support from the foundation has been invaluable. Also, it brought me together with people full of value and new knowledge, people willing to give and receive. I feel very humble and thankful because of that! It is a responsibility and a blessing, because you have the opportunity to achieve your goals and continuously prove yourself as a good and active student and member of the academic world. The future engineers, doctors, economists or entrepreneurs are looking at you during the whole process, that's why maintaining the highest standards is a must.

Andres Paez

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I am forever grateful to the Viner Foundation for supporting me in my academic career. Because of the scholarship, I am able to focus on my education at the University of Central Florida and not worry about paying my tuition. I am also forever grateful for the relationship I have with my mentor. She has been the greatest gift ever, and I'm so glad I have her support throughout this experience and beyond. I have been able to excel in school and give back to my community by volunteering at different organizations in Orlando. Giving back and helping others is my passion and I hope after I graduate, I will be able to go to graduate school to get my master's. I am forever grateful for the Viner Foundation and for what they have done for my family and me.

Sydney Salk