When Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) graduate student Riccardo Jean crosses the stage to receive his diploma on Friday, it will add to a long list of firsts in his family.
Born to Haitian immigrants as the sixth of seven children, Jean was not only a first generation college student but also the first person in his family to receive a high school diploma.
Growing up, Jean’s family relocated several times before settling in Jacksonville, Fla., where his mother worked as a nanny and his father as a grocer. Though his parents had a limited education, Jean said they worked tirelessly to ensure that he was able to attain the academic success they had only dreamed of for themselves.
“It really is like the American dream story for immigrant families,” Jean said. “Now that I’m older, I truly understand the value of everything they did for me, so getting these degrees is just a return on the investment they made in my future. ”
Read the full story – FAMU Grad is First in His Family to Receive Diploma, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
Well done Second Lieutenant! Congratulations on your accomplishments. Godspeed & God bless you. Go Navy!