Testimonials

Wow I can’t believe it has been about 15years since I became the first scholarship recipient in 2006 of The Puerto Rican Coalition. I remember it like it was yesterday, being notified that I won the scholarship. I was full of so many emotions and I remember thinking that this served as a reminder that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. I was then awarded a second scholarship from the organization in 2008 after making it on the dean’s list in SUNY Cortland. The acknowledgement of my hard work only drove me to work harder and graduate in 2010. There have been many obstacles and achievements since then. I was a substitute for a bit till I got my current job where I am a Highschool Health teacher in the Bronx.

I love my job. I have learned so much and continue to strengthen my leadership skills and the students remind me constantly why I do what I do. I received my Masters from Lehman college in 2020 for health education. Getting my masters was tough because I had been out of school for so long but again I pushed to prove to myself that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. Throughout this time my family was going through a lot. Balancing school and family became extremely tough. My mom was diagnosed with Leukemia and had to start treatment immediately, she has no idea just how much watching her battle every day, and be as strong as she is was and is an inspiration for me.

Thankfully she kicked Leukemia’s butt. Not long after my father experienced a widows maker heart attack. All I remember thinking to myself is when will we catch a break. I was full of so many emotions. He too thankfully pulled through. Throughout all these trials and tribulations I kept my faith and hope and this is how I got myself through. Which brings us to current day. This last year was a complete roller coaster. As I mentioned I am still teaching Highschool health but since COVID it’s been a virtual experience. Very different from the in school setting. I’ve had to learn how to be a successful teacher in a virtual environment, it’s been a lot of learning but the work continues to get done because this is what I was meant to do. Not only has COVID changed our lives but the BLM movement and so many other historical events have taken place. With this update I hope that I can continue to be a role model for not only my students but future scholarship receipts through my growth, experiences and story. We must remember we can do anything when we put our minds to it

I graduated from Central Islip High School in 2012. I was given the opportunity to receive the Xavier Morales scholarship presented by the Puerto Rican Coalition. By receiving this scholarship it allowed me to attend the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I received my Bachelors in Fine Arts in 2016.

From then on I worked as a production assistant for New York Fashion Week. I currently work at Bloomingdales in Manhattan 59th and Lexington as part of the window display team and stylist. For the past three years we have won best holiday windows. I am so appreciative to have been given the support from my community to be able to follow my dreams in set design and art.

I am a 2013 Brentwood High School graduate and the recipient of the PRC Scholarship. Since my graduation, I have earned my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Suffolk County Community College. In 2016 I became an EMT for the FDNY. I also took civil service tests for Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff, Suffolk County Police and New York State Troopers.

Each test I scored high enough to be offered positions at each agency. The position I pursued was one with the New York State Troopers. In July of 2018 I graduated from the New York State Troopers Academy. I am currently stationed at NYC and am on a waiting list for Long Island. I have also been a volunteer for Brentwood Fire Department since I was 18. Being afforded the PRC Scholarship gave me the opportunity to pursue higher education so I was able to earn my Associates Degree.

With this degree I was able to take these civil service tests which allowed me to move forward with my dream to be in law enforcement. I am and have been grateful for this scholarship opportunity. Also, having my peers believe in the goals that I set for myself, gave me the confidence to push forward no matter the obstacles in my path.

Thank you again for have affording me this scholarship, the opportunity to convey the benefit of receiving it, and where I am in my life because of it.

My name is Andrew J. Culbreath and in 2018 I graduated from Hempstead High School and I began my collegiate career . It was a privilege and honor to be one of the many recipients to receive the special scholarship from the Puerto Rican coalition. It was very helpful toward the many expenses of my education. I am currently in my junior year at Five Towns College in Dix Hills , NY , working on a BFA in musical theater. My college journey has been interesting , challenging, unique and a fun experience. I have definitely learned so much over the last 3 years and I am so grateful I experienced college. Matriculating during a pandemic has also been like nothing I have ever experienced. I anticipate graduating May of 2022. I can never thank the Puerto Rican Coalition for a better community enough for your generous contribution to my education. Thank you so much.

Andrew Joseph Culbreath

P.S. I’ll never forget the scholarship reception I attended. The food and music were incredible!