MOUNT OLIVE – For most students, college is a leap into the unknown: new people, new places, and a new way of life. However, for Francis Pineda Alcerro, her college choice is a little closer to home and to heart.
Pineda is a Mount Olive native, living only ten minutes from the campus. She will be a commuting freshman at the University of Mount Olive (UMO) this fall. Planning to major in cybersecurity and applied computer science, she found UMO to be the perfect combination of location, education, and value.
The North Duplin valedictorian graduated in June with a 4.6 GPA.
She also graduated from James Sprunt Community College as the highest honor student, obtaining her associate of arts degree and a school-age education certificate while still in high school.
Beyond her stellar academic achievements, Pineda’s involvements have included the BETA Club, Science Club, Duplin Health Science Academy, and volunteerism, which earned her a trophy for her many acts of kindness.
A dedicated student who is always ready to learn and go the additional mile, Pineda is every teacher’s dream student.
However, life has not always been a dream for the confident and caring 19-year-old. Pineda was born in Honduras and lived there until age nine when she and her mother moved to the United States. Pineda spoke no English, and times were hard.
“We started from zero in an unknown country,” Pineda said. “Looking back at all the difficult times and all of the tears that we shed makes me want to do great things to make all the difficult moments worthwhile.”
With her aspirations and academics high, Pineda could have chosen any college or university for her educational pursuits.
“It is affordable, close to home, and it felt right,” Pineda said. “I visited many different campuses. However, none made me feel like I fit in. When visiting UMO, I felt safe and like I belonged. I also like that UMO is small, and I will be able to make real connections with my peers and professors.”
Scholarship support was another deciding factor for Pineda. She received the Presidential Scholarship, Herring Scholarship, and scholarships from the Duplin County Education Foundation.
“Had it not been for these scholarships, I most likely would have taken a gap year to work and save for college,” Pineda said.
With a strong desire to learn about the advancements and ongoing technological developments, Pineda is excited to major in cybersecurity and applied computer science.
“I have always been interested in computers and how technology works,” Pineda said. “I find cybersecurity to be a topic of major importance. Her ultimate goal is to advance to a leadership position within a large tech company and help support her parents, who have supported her. “In college and life, my goal is always to make my parents proud and make our sacrifices worthwhile.”
In a heartfelt message to her parents, Norma Alcerro and Jose Manuel Carbajal, Pineda said, “Mami y Carbajal los amo con todo mi corazón. Gracias por todos sus sacrificios y esfuerzos. Gracias por ser mis padres.”
Translated into English she said, “Mommy and Carbajal, I love you with all my heart. Thank you for all your sacrifices and efforts. Thank you for being my parents.”
