Before coming to California, Cecil worked as a Utility Assistant for a nuclear power plant in Columbia, South Carolina. Without warning, the plant suffered massive layoffs, and Cecil lost his job. At the same time, he learned about the football program at Gavilan College and saw the layoff as an opportunity. Driven by the example of his mother’s work helping special needs children, Cecil chose to attend Gavilan College to study child development, with the goal of working with special needs children or as a physical therapist for high school athletes, and to play football.

“I’ve torn my ACL before and I know how tough it is to recover both mentally and physically. I want to be able to encourage young athletes to not give up on their athletic dreams while stressing the importance of an education,” Cecil said about what drives him to pursue his education at Gavilan College.

In order to help him to focus on his studies without worrying about his finances, Cecil signed up to participate in the Fresh Success program. The program’s counseling and transportation services have been vital to his success by allowing him to focus on his school work and ensuring that he never has to worry about finding money to help him get to and from campus.

“Even though it always seems like the odds are against me, I remember that I have too much to lose and so much to gain,” Cecil said. By giving Cecil the support he needs to complete his degree, the services offered by Fresh Success have helped to give Cecil the peace of mind he needs to complete his degree and pursue his career goals. 

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