Paola Calcedo, 16 – Business Plan
Simple Learning Center
Miami, Florida

"Those who have thought less of me have allowed me to suck up my pride and be what I’m not expected to be. I’ve made my mom proud."

Paola Calcedo is participating in the NFTE program at Booker T. Washington High School in Miami. Simple Learning Center is a tutoring service for 11- to 15-year-old students, providing one-on-one homework help and assistance with learning. Paola says she would like to begin with her classmates, and then expand to elementary students around Dade County.

“My business promotes putting knowledge to use,” she says. “As an urban resident I intend to help those who lack understanding, so they can escape the established stereotypes of urban students.”

Paola is a hard-working student and has displayed “great enthusiasm and initiative as a young entrepreneur,” according to one of her teachers. She has found that her family is not always supportive of her efforts, but is determined to live up to her dreams and go to college.

Paola intends to pursue a career in the medical field. “Society at times counteracts one’s dreams and accomplishments,” she says. “Whether we’re challenged in school or in our chosen career, the consequences will always depend on the stand we take.”