Magazine, The Immigrant Experience, Polk State College
When Rooloph Rene emigrated from Haiti in 2018, he had four years of law school in his home country under his belt but thought he may have to change career paths in the United States.
After seeing a billboard for Polk State College, which prompted him to meet with an advisor about enrolling, he realized that the knowledge he gained in Haiti provided him with a strong foundation for success in both Polk State’s Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Program and a potential career in helping others with the immigration process.
Rene will graduate on December 9, 2021, with Polk State’s 125th class.
“Pursuing my academic path at Polk State is an honor for me,” Rene said. “Polk State is turning dreams into reality for many Haitians living here in Polk County, and I want to thank all the advisors and professors for their help and support. I don’t think I could have done it without them.”
Rene moved to Polk three years ago to be with his wife, and they now have an 18-month-old daughter. He knew from day one that he wanted to continue his education and provide an increased quality of life for his family.
“In a new country, everything is different, and I had to do something to get back on track to further my education, but I didn’t know how at first,” he explained. “I am grateful that I saw a billboard for Polk State. When I went to the College to talk to an advisor, he gave me a lot of great advice, from how I could use my studies in Haiti and how I could get my transcripts translated, to how I could apply for financial aid.”
He received a Pell Grant to help cover the cost of tuition like approximately 44 percent of Polk State students.
The opportunity to complete his studies online in the Criminal Justice Program has also benefitted Rene as he raises his young family and works up to 50 hours a week as a quality control technician at a medical technology company in Lakeland.
