Florida Opportunity Scholar: Antonio De Leon, University of Florida

Name: Antonio De Leon
Major: Pre-Pharmacy
College: Pharmacy
Hometown: Miami, FL

Antonio De Leon saw a whole new world when he fled into Florida with his father after escaping persecution from the Cuban government.

De Leon didn't know a word of English and had to adapt to American culture at the age of 15. His father worked three different jobs while De Leon worked at a grocery store after school, despite his mother's arrival two years later. It was when his father suffered a heart attack that De Leon knew he had to provide a better way for his family to survive.

"It was really hard for me to do well in school while taking care of my family," De Leon said. "Once I got the letter to come to UF, I knew I wasn't going to be able to go because my parents couldn't help me."

De Leon decided to accept going to Miami Dade College until he received the Florida Opportunity Scholarship. The scholarship gave him the ability to study full time without having to worry about any financial burdens. De Leon is now pursuing a degree in Pharmacy so he can aid those in his community.

"Without the Florida Opportunity Scholarship, my dreams would be too far away," said De Leon. "It means happiness for both of my parents and for me as a person."

De Leon sees himself working at a top-notch pharmaceutical company without worrying about any debts from school. He plans on entering graduate school and has become motivated with his work as a Florida Opportunity Scholar mentor for freshmen students in the program. De Leon has been able to save enough money to send to his parents back home and hopes to give back to UF once he begins his career.

"There are lots of smart students out there who need this opportunity to be who they want to be," De Leon said. "With the help of donors everywhere, students like me can make a difference."

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[alex021690]

very inspiring!