MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Before officially becoming Miami-Dade’s Director of Learning, Alberto Carvalho recognized some incredible students.
Five people were honored on Thursday, one with a very special surprise that will hopefully help her achieve future success.
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Jassmin Barrientos is a senior at the Miami Lakes Education Center, excelling at school working five nights to survive.
“I don’t live at home anymore. I do it by myself,” she explained. “I had to leave because of different circumstances. That’s not the place for me. Mentally, I’m not fine.”
Jassmin, a native of Guatemala, was one of five Miami-Dade students honored among 73 nominees for their incredible work ethic and perseverance despite the odds against them.
“They are much smarter than I was. If I succeed, they will,” said Alberto Carvalho of the finalists.
Ashley Adirika of Miami Beach High School, Jayquan Mccallister of South Miami High School, Andres Velasquez of Advanced Studies, Jassmin Barrientos, of Miami Lakes Education Center, and Lauren Davis of American High School , each receives a certificate and $1,000. (CBS4)
Ashley Adirika of Miami Beach High School, Jayquan Mccallister of South Miami High School, Andres Velasquez of Advanced Study, and Lauren Davis of American High School, each received a certificate and $1,000 each. .
“I do this because these are worthy students. But I also do because they are a reflection of my own life story. Carvalho said.
For Carvalho, it felt as if he were walking in Jassmin’s shoes, walking home late at night after a day of school and work. She is tired and often fears for her safety. But now, getting to work is a little easier.
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“You get a car,” Carvalho told her on Thursday. “Drag that car around!”
A brand new red Toyota Corolla 2022 by Toyota of North Miami.
Jassmin Barrientos, a senior at the Miami Lakes Education Center, receives the keys to his new car. (CBS4)
A long-standing goal has become a reality for a young girl who has worked hard in the face of many challenges.
“When I had enough money, I couldn’t get it because I was 18 and I didn’t have credit,” Jassmin said. “I am not qualified. I worked very hard. I Uber every day to work and everywhere I go. It was really difficult.”
While she’s still undecided about her major career plans and future, she knows exactly who she wants to model.
“I want to go to college and graduate for my sisters. Because I want them to see that they can do it,” Jassmin said.
Jassmin’s new car has a three-year lease that Carvalho offered to co-sign.
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If she doesn’t want to keep the car, she can get $6,000 instead.
