International student and aspiring nurse selected as student trustee
Three years ago, Gabrielle Louis came to Palm Beach State College from Port-au-Prince, Haiti to pursue an education and gain more experiences.
Not only is she accomplishing these goals, she has also been selected as the College’s student trustee for the 2020-21 academic year.
Louis, who graduated Summa Cum Laude this spring with an Associate in Arts degree, was chosen out of nine candidates who interviewed for the role via Zoom. She is the 20th student to serve in the role and will attend her first District Board of Trustees meeting Aug. 11.
As the new voice of Palm Beach State’s 49,000 students, Louis is especially hoping to connect with other international students who might be experiencing the challenges she first faced.
“When I started, I was exposed to a new language and new style of life which led me to suffer from cultural shock,” said Louis, who is now pursuing Associate in Science degrees in Human Services and Nursing. “I went through struggles and pain with my classmates, and I scrutinized many areas of the school.”
However, Louis says the warm environment of Palm Beach State, the patience of its employees and its diversity led her to get out of her comfort zone to become an ambitious, overachieving student and confident person.
Louis also noticed the development of PBSC and is hoping in her new role to directly contribute to that growth, while also being the voice to students who are speechless like she was a few years ago.
“Being the student trustee will help me contribute directly to making Palm Beach State a comfortable house for students from different countries and show that background and language don’t have to be barriers to what someone can accomplish.”
During her time at PBSC, Louis has also been working in various capacities at the Boca Raton campus, including with Marc Fedderman, a learning specialist in the Student Learning Center.
“I have watched Gabrielle grow as a writer, reader and most significantly a critical thinker,” said Fedderman, who also serves as an adjunct instructor of English. “Since finishing my Advanced English class with distinction, she has expanded her presence at the College, working first as a supplemental instruction leader for Elements of Nutrition and then as a student worker in the Admissions Office. The same characteristics that have made her an exemplary student are apparent in her work at the College. She is always friendly, supportive, and a paragon of what Palm Beach State stands for.”
When Louis is finished with her education, she plans to invest her knowledge into helping improve the health care system of Haiti.
Gabby, you are the epitome of greatness. I know you will succeed in this role, as you have in everything you touch. You have reached the stars…. Now go and outshine them.
Congratulations Gabby!!! I have always known that you are destined for greatness!!!
Congratulations Gabrielle, I m very proud of you. Actually I am in the same situation you were years ago. My God keep blessing you. Keep it up
I admire the way you have used your obstacles as opportunities for advancement. You are young, talented, beautiful and destined to do great things. As you pursue your interests at all levels you will find that there will still be obstacles to overcome. Just remember how you overcame in the first instance and apply the same principles. My Dad often says ” every disappointment is for another appointment” and evidently someone groomed you to have that mindset. Go change the world young lady… I’m rooting for you!
Gabby what an achievement! PBSC students are fortunate to have you as the new student trustee. So proud of you!
Hearty Congratulations, Ms. Gabrielle, lead the way for many to follow your steps!
Student voice must be the guideline for a successful institution like PBSC.
PBSC gives all an opportunity, it is for us to take and run with it 🙂
Enjoy the role and time doing your part. All the best!
Please feel free to reach out anytime anything I can help with as I was in your shoes 27 years ago.
Dr. Chandra
Natural Sciences
I’m so proud of Gabrielle Louis and her accomplishments! She was an exemplary scholar in my AMH2020 history course and is a frequent library user. I look forward to her contributions as the 2020-2021 Student Trustee.
Congratulations Gabrielle Louis !!! I’m pride of you. Go Gabby.
GABBYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! I am so proud of you! The work and inspiration you put towards your goals really shows and now being a student trustee, no one can tell you it can’t be done. Many kudos to you! 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS GABRIELLE! Your vibrant personality clearly displays your determination to succeed at everything you put your mind to. I got a tiny glimpse sitting beside you in Prof. Beckwith’s class, pre COVID! Continue to excel!
Gabby what an honor! Represent PBSC and our Boca campus! You will be great and you will grow tremendously. Enjoy the process and the journey. Many blessings. Very proud of you!
It is with joy that I want to congratulate you little sister for holding up the torch of Haiti so high. I am proud of you
I’m so proud of you my Gabounette
Congratulations Louis, you are proof that good things come to those who are willing to sacrifice to reach a worthwhile goal. Words can’t express how proud I am. (Real Zoe Lol).