Plaza College Student Success Stories 101

          

Sandro Balzora, Jr. was recently inducted into both Sigma Kappa Delta and Alpha Sigma Lambda. He currently has a cumulative GPA of 3.91.

What is your major?
Health Information Technology, or HIT, for short. As I inform everyone, if it wasn’t for my intolerance to the sight of blood, I probably would have chosen to be in the Medical Assisting field.

What made you want to come to Plaza College?
I was attending a vocational school majoring in Computer Repair. I was stuck learning and excelling in something I had no passion for. After an amazing social life, yet terrible academic Junior High School year, I found myself in a rut. Honesty, I was looking for a fresh start. My mom and I had a short discussion about what I want to do with my life. She mentioned that as a young woman she had enrolled into a small private institute. It’s not easy to convince me to try something new, but for some unexplained reason I had a gut feeling that it would turn out okay.

In what ways have you grown at Plaza College?
After having attended Plaza College for almost two years now, it is evident to both family and friends that I have matured in MANY ways. I’ve always been a hard worker, yet I know I’ve evolved into a much more responsible young man. Unintentionally, this college has helped me develop a positive outlook on life. Something, I admit I lacked.

What are your professional goals? Where can you see yourself in 10 years?
I am determined to achieve a successful role in the health care field. Perhaps the title of an "Incomplete Records Processor" or "Health Information Manager" will satisfy me.

What has been the key to your success so far at Plaza?
Motivation and determination. My grandmother, who happens to be the strongest and most caring person I know, is my motivation. She has given me everything I could ever want in this world, materialistic and non-materialistic, and I will make sure that soon I’ll be able to do the same for her. I believe that if students discovered what motivates them, and grew to never accept failure, that they will succeed in what ever they choose to do. That is what has been working for me.

What has been your most embarrassing moment at Plaza so far?
Gosh, there have been about three really embarrassing moments during my experience here at the college, but the most humiliating had to be the time I accidentally went to give India (also a student at Plaza) a kiss on the cheek. She backed away and said "I don’t know you." It turned out it wasn’t India. Although I laugh about it now, the moment was really awkward, which is why it makes this case of mistaken identity such a memorable one.

Many people may be surprised to learn that I...
have two younger 17-year-old siblings that happen to be twins.

Favorite guilty pleasure?
Ordering two Large Half Pepperoni / Half Plain Pizza Pies and indulging in it all by myself, on the couch, while watching GossipGirl, Jersey Shore or The Vampire Diaries.

If you could win a $10,000 gift certificate to any store, which one would it be?
ZARA or Express

Dream travel destination:
Rome, Italy.

Your greatest hero
My mother.

Favorite book
Wanted by Caroline B. Cooney

Favorite movie
Matilda

Lady Gaga or Beyonce?
Lady Gaga. I know I just broke Mr. Howle's heart.
 

Why was Sandro Balzora, Jr. chosen for a student profile:
Even though he did break my heart with the Lady Gaga/Beyonce question, Sandro  is one of Plaza College’s most extraordinary students. Professional, eloquent,  intellectual, and fiercely determined, he has managed to earn the respect of his fellow students, his professors, and the administration. He is also an employee in our Library and is an incredible worker. Recently, he was promoted. This is one young man who is going places. He is remarkable!    

Professor Jonathan Howle