Goobie-Ramlal Education Scholarship Fund

Immigrants face a wide world of challenges when starting their lives in a new country. From language barriers to a lack of connections to financial difficulties, students from immigrant families often have less access to higher education, especially students who will be the first in their families to complete a college degree. Rhia Ramlal Wagner immigrated to the United States from the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, at the age of 15. As she embarked on high school in Florida, she faced several challenges as she adjusted to high-school life. Despite these challenges she has embodied success in her education and career. She understands setbacks, challenges, grit, hard work, sacrifice, and truly values education. This fund will be used to create a scholarship that seeks to offer recognition and relief to college-bound students who stand on the shoulders of their hardworking immigrant families. This scholarship is dedicated in honor of Rhia’s grandparents (from the Goobie and Ramlal families) who toiled on sugarcane plantations in Trinidad and Tobago to provide a better life for their children and future generations, while instilling the value of hard work and education.