Leonardo Espino is a 19-year old student at Skyline College, communications major, and PTK member since April 2022. Leonardo was selected as a 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to PTK members with outstanding academic achievements and leadership potential.
In this short interview Leonardo shares his educational journey thus far and experiences on getting the scholarship as a PTK Member.
Each education journey is unique. Please, share your story with us.
Leo: I played baseball since I could hold a bat; I always thought I would be a baseball player; however, during my high school senior year I clearly understood that my path had dramatically changed. I realized my calling was as a baseball analyst, not a player. I’m currently working on my communications degree, and I’ve recently finished my first year. I’m proud of my work the past two semesters and I hope to graduate in the spring of 2023. I then plan to transfer to USF where I hope to complete my communications education eventually with a master’s degree.
A huge part of being a PTK member is volunteering and being involved on campus. Which clubs/groups have you been involved with?
Leo: I have been vice president of our Brothers Achieving Milestones (BAM) club since Fall 2021. I also served as a Learning Assistant during the summer Jumpstart program. In addition, I am also serving as an English tutor for the TRiO program this year.
With so many opportunities to choose from, why did you decide to join PTK?
Leo: I decided to join PTK after I received the invitation after the end of my first semester. It was a great feeling to be recognized for my grades and work during the semester. I looked into the prestigious organization and decided that it was an opportunity which I couldn’t refuse.
What skills have you learnt as a member of PTK?
Leo: I actually joined PTK in the Spring of this year and I’ve mainly been reading and familiarizing myself more with the organization. Being a member has helped me to develop leadership skills, apply for scholarships and explore career paths. I think there are some other paths which could help bridge me to my dream job at MLB Network. While I aspire to be like my icons Greg Amsinger or Dan O’Dowd in the future; I hope that PTK can continue to help me get there with other opportunities along the way.
What made you apply for this scholarship and why?
Leo: I applied for the scholarship because I need some financial help for tuition after I transfer to USF, so I plan to continue to apply for more scholarship opportunities. This scholarship seemed like a great opportunity.
What will be your next step on your professional journey?
Leo: The next step on my professional journey is to transfer to USF after I graduate from Skyline. I want to be an MLB analyst in the future, and I think USF is the perfect school to help get me there after Skyline College.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for the students who want to apply for this scholarship?
Leo: My advice to anyone applying for the scholarship is to apply as soon as you possibly can. It’s a bit of a lengthy process but it’s completely worth the effort. It’s also a good idea to get to know your administration and faculty as their support is truly valuable. I personally would not have won without the support of Director Stokes from the BAM and TRiO programs.
Beta Theta Omicron, the Skyline College Chapter of PTK, supports students with their scholarship applications. On Friday, October 14, 2022, Honors Counselor Joyce Lee held a scholarship application workshop and shared useful information with the students on how to write successful applications.
BΘO thanks Joyce Lee for her continued support of the chapter and campus community.
Interview by Hnin Thandar Win
