Veteran Rogelio Gomez Starts New Chapter at SCF Bradenton

Venice resident Rogelio Gomez, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is pursuing higher education at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Bradenton. Gomez began taking courses at SCF in Summer 2025.

After serving nearly two years as an air traffic controller at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, Gomez returned to civilian life. He chose SCF for its proximity and affordable tuition, using his GI Bill benefits with assistance from the SCF Veteran Services office.

"A college education is the next step in life," Gomez said. "I have taken full advantage of the GI Bill with the help of the SCF Veteran Services office."

The transition from military service to student life presented challenges. "The transition from military to student life was personally tough," he explained. "It was difficult to adapt to my new freedom and the different social environment. SCF helped with my transition by giving me something to pursue – education. The ease of the application process also helped this new endeavor seem less daunting."

Gomez is currently taking online classes at SCF and plans to earn an Associate in Arts degree with a concentration in accounting in Fall 2026. He intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Florida or the University of Central Florida.

He praised SCF Bradenton’s campus atmosphere, educational resources, and faculty support. "The campus is clean and has an abundance of resources; the library is a standout," he said.

David Redett, an assistant professor of mathematics at SCF, guided Gomez's course-based undergraduate research education (CURE) group project last spring. The group continues its work this fall, analyzing medical statistical data and creating professional statistics charts.

At Redett’s suggestion, Gomez explored internships through the Environmental Discovery Awards Program and secured a paid field internship with Sunshine Community Harvest. During this internship, he collected locally grown fruit and drafted procedures for a fruit scrap recovery program. This experience highlighted the importance of fresh food access and environmental health.

"The internship has provided a stable job where I enjoyed a blend of outdoor labor and indoor administrative work," Gomez stated. "It is the first time I have worked for an employer that truly cares and does not put others down. I may not be as passionate about the cause as those I have met, but their excitement towards environmental science has been a pleasure to see."

Gomez advises fellow students to maintain focus and persistence. "As with any other school, students can succeed by tackling coursework with consistency and diligence," he said.

Outside of his studies, Gomez enjoys running and reading. He expressed gratitude for his parents’ support, his housing and food security, and his future educational and career prospects.