{"id":12454,"date":"2016-12-09T15:40:55","date_gmt":"2016-12-09T15:40:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fiualumni.com\/?p=12454"},"modified":"2018-05-09T15:28:49","modified_gmt":"2018-05-09T15:28:49","slug":"fiu-graduates-overcome-odds-uplift-our-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fiualumni.com\/stay-connected\/alumni-news\/newsroom\/index.php\/2016\/12\/09\/fiu-graduates-overcome-odds-uplift-our-community\/","title":{"rendered":"FIU graduates overcome odds, uplift our community"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tiffany Gomez<\/strong>, 27, and her twin sister Eileen begin their days in the kitchen of Vito\u2019s Bakery in Virginia Gardens, preparing pastelitos, tostadas, and empanadas. Baking is in their blood; it is how they remember their father and continue his longstanding legacy.<\/p>\n

The twins\u2019 mother passed away when they were four years old, and they were raised by their single father, Vito. When he was diagnosed with a terminal illness and passed away in 2014, the college students became bakers and business owners. Balancing school and the business was a challenge, but Tiffany was determined to never give up her dream, or her promise to her father, to finish her degree.<\/p>\n

\"28818647231_9a85415aaf_z-300x194\"On Monday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.<\/strong>, Tiffany will graduate with her bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology. Eileen, who graduated from FIU in 2013, but couldn\u2019t attend the ceremony because her father was too ill at the time, will walk across the stage with
\nher sister.<\/p>\n

Tiffany is among more than 4,900 FIU graduates this semester. Their accomplishments will be celebrated in nine\u00a0ceremonies<\/a> on Dec. 11, 12, 13 and 14<\/strong> at FIU Arena on FIU\u2019s MMC Campus, 11200 SW 8th<\/sup> St. in West Miami-Dade.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThis class is full of change makers \u2013 some have overcome tremendous hardships and obstacles \u2013 and they now have the skills they need to compete in the job market and build a better future for South Florida and beyond,\u201d said President Mark B. Rosenberg. \u201cEvery student who crosses the commencement stage represents the impact that we have on the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the ceremonies, a group of standout students will be recognized as Worlds Ahead graduates<\/a>. In addition to Tiffany, other Worlds Ahead students include:<\/p>\n