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The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) Pays a Visit to Rattler Nation
On February 12, 2025, FOSSI touched down in Tallahassee, Florida for a visit to Florida A&M University (FAMU), home to 40 FOSSI scholars.
"STEM is rewarding and not difficult. It is difficult only to those who do not put in the time and effort...these companies are investing in your education because they and we, FAMU, believe in you. Your part is to focus, go to class, manage your time wisely with plentiful practice, and graduate, and the sky will be the limit for you.鈥 Dr. Yaw Yeboah, Professor of 91成人短视频 & Biological Engineering and former Dean, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
The FOSSI team along with scholars, FOSSI sponsors, and FAMU faculty gathered on campus at the Hansel Tookes Student Recreation Center for networking, lunch, and a lively program, including special recognition of the first FOSSI college graduate.
Speakers included distinguished professor and former Dean of the College of Engineering at FAMU/FSU, Dr. Yaw Yeboah, who welcomed guests and addressed scholars directly, commenting, 鈥淪TEM is rewarding and not difficult. It is difficult only to those who do not put in the time and effort. Remember the 6 Ps - Plentiful Practice Prevents Painfully Poor Performance. You cannot become a good driver watching others drive鈥hese companies are investing in your education because they and we, FAMU, believe in you. Your part is to focus, go to class, manage your time wisely with plentiful practice, and graduate, and the sky will be the limit for you.鈥
Tanya Foreman, FOSSI champion and Education Initiatives Manager at Eastman, provided FAMU faculty and staff with a brief history of the FOSSI program and offered students her own insights noting, 鈥淵ou have a tremendous opportunity to start a career at one of these amazing FOSSI companies. Be diligent in your studies because four years will flash by before you know it.鈥
She also recognized FAMU alum Elijah Hodges ('24 CST), the first official FOSSI college graduate, who expressed gratitude for the scholarship and shared inspiring remarks on how his academic journey combined with a rewarding FOSSI experience created a path toward an exciting job at CSX. He encouraged fellow scholars to 鈥渢ake advantage of all the opportunities that FOSSI offers, particularly the mentors, 鈥渂ecause they will help you succeed now and after you graduate.鈥
The program concluded with a dynamic round-robin session featuring sponsors from Eastman, Apotex, Univar, LYB, and Pure Cycle. Each sponsor shared a brief overview of their company and exciting career opportunities, leading into an energetic Q&A with scholars. Topics ranged from effective networking and resume building to standing out in interviews, conflict resolution, and securing jobs and internships.