Patel College of Global Sustainability Student Recognized for Innovative Solutions to Tampa's Climate Challenges
Miguel Maysonet, a current student at the Patel College of Global Sustainability, was awarded $3,000 for the Amy & Michael Drake Scholarship at a luncheon on March 20th at PCGS. The scholarship is dedicated to supporting the financial needs of students in the Master of Arts or Science degree programs in sustainability at PCGS. We spoke with the recipient to get his insight on winning the scholarship, and his efforts that proved his success.
Discovery of the scholarship
Maysonet heard about the scholarship through our Academic Services Administrator, Emily Boyko, who posted it on our college's announcements page. What captivated Maysonet was the highlight of the scholarship: helping the Tampa Bay Region adapt to climate change.He stated, “As a Tampa native, I’m committed to contributing to my hometown’s long-term resiliency and sustainability, ensuring that these principles become part of our city’s core DNA.”
Scholarship Requirements
Maysonet had to fulfill several requirements to be eligible for the scholarship. First and foremost, he needed to be a full-time master's student at PCGS, a condition he quickly met since he was already enrolled. Additionally, he was required to maintain a strong academic record, complete at least one semester, and have at least one semester left before graduating. Lastly, He had to be able to submit an updated resume and an essay highlighting how to help the Tampa Bay Region adapt to Climate Change Through innovative solutions.
Having successfully met these prerequisites, Maysonet focused on crafting a compelling
essay. In this essay, he highlighted his recent experiences at PCGS, including his
internship at the Office of Sustainability at Hillsborough Community College, his
concentration in policy within his studies, and the various focus groups he participated
in. He also incorporated insights from discussions with the City of Tampa’s Department
of Sustainability and Resiliency. By emphasizing topics like urban planning and enhancing
access to the city’s resources, he effectively illustrated how these factors play
a crucial role in Tampa’s resilience to climate change.
Path to Success
Maysonet attributes a significant portion of his success to the support from our college, stating, “PCGS’s holistic approach to sustainability has provided a strong foundation that I’ve been able to expand upon through my internship and practical experiences. The integration of theory and real-world application has been invaluable.”
To expand on his thoughts, he added, “For example, green spaces are a key component of sustainable urban planning, and while they benefit any city, Tampa has particularly high potential for incorporating more of them. This scholarship allowed me to explore further how resiliency-focused urban planning can shape Tampa’s future.”
This scholarship represented a unique and significant opportunity for the students at PCGS. We extend our congratulations to Maysonet on his achievement and eagerly anticipate his impact on transforming sustainability practices around the globe.