2023 NocheUnidos FLA Alumni Testimonials

ANDREA AGUIRRE

Good evening everyone.

My name is Andrea Aguirre, UnidosNow Alumna Class of 2018. As part of an early class of UnidosNow, I’m elated to see the impact this program continues to have on the community and first-generation students like myself.

As I went into my junior year of high school, I had zero clue what FAFSA was, how easily accessible scholarships were, or how to even begin the college application process. And although doing the best they could, my parents were also limited in their knowledge of the U.S. college system.

Today, I proudly have a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology with honors distinction from Florida State University, a full scholarship for the entirety of my 4 years of undergrad, and I continue passionately chasing my dream by applying to medical schools. I can say with 100% certainty that I owe a lot of my accomplishments thus far to UnidosNow.

UnidosNow was a door I didn’t even realize needed to be open for me. And that door was proudly held by the brightest smile and the sweetest soul, Hector Tejeda. He urged me, along with many other students, to always shoot for the stars and to NEVER underestimate myself. It’s something I continue to strive for in his honor. He, along with the amazing group that is UnidosNow, has helped shape so many students into outstanding young adults, engaged members in our communities, and role models for the succeeding classes.

Unidosnow deserves every bit of recognition it has earned thus far and I’m sure it will continue receiving. Thank you to everyone that came out tonight and everyone that helped put this amazing event together. As always, it’s an honor to represent the legacy of UnidosNow and to commemorate Hector Tejeda.

Jonathan Bruzon

Good evening everyone, and thank you for joining us in support of UnidosNow and in honor of Mr. Hector Tejeda. My name is Jonathan Bruzon, and I am an alumnus of the Future Leaders Academy Class of 2019 currently attending Oberlin Conservatory. 

As a first-generation, low-income sophomore at Riverview High, I doubted my own talents and only strove for the bare minimum. My plan at the time was simple: take standard-level courses, apply to Dual Enrollment, and eventually transfer to an in-state school. It was an effective plan, but I also felt that this was my only option. In reality, I wished to leave elsewhere for school, but with my limited knowledge of colleges and financial troubles, out-of-state felt more like out-of-the-question. 

I was then introduced to UnidosNow through my guidance counselor, who connected me with Mr. Hector Tejeda. Meeting me with a radiant smile, he was curious about my academic performance. I eagerly shared my report card with straight-As, to which he then said, 

“These grades must come easy to you, right? You’re not challenging yourself.” 

That one phrase taught me that Mr. Tejeda saw something in me that I didn’t. He saw potential. He encouraged me to dream big, reassuring me that what seemed like just a fleeting dream was possible with enough grit. 

My time in FLA led me to enroll in my school’s rigorous International Baccalaureate program and eventually attend Oberlin Conservatory with 100% of my financial aid met.

As I enter my last year at Oberlin and continue to pursue a career as a professor of music, I am eternally grateful for the guidance and legacy that Mr. Tejeda and FLA instilled in myself and many others. As a College Coach for the Future Leaders Academy, I am continuing this legacy and giving back to UnidosNow by supporting the next generation of leaders.

Thank you all again for your support, and as Mr. Tejeda has done for many of us, may we continue to encourage one another to dream big.