Since the impressionable age of 14, Gary Zamor has helped care for his family. It was then that he, his mother and younger brother chose to leave a turbulent relationship with his father and venture out on their own. His mother, originally from Colombia and unable to speak English, found temporary refuge for the family at her sister's home in Miami. She divorced her husband, attended local vocational education courses in phlebotomy to become a lab technician, carefully saved to raise her children while sharing a one-bedroom apartment, and has inspired her sons to succeed in the face of hardship as well.

Gary's mother dropped out of high school to care for her ill father in Colombia, and she has always wanted a better future for her sons. Moving with her husband to the United States before Gary was born, she depended first on her husband and then her eldest son to serve as the family translator, financial manager and caretaker. Gary was up for the task and more.

In order to avoid dropping out and joining a gang as others around him had done, he sought structure, authority and responsibility in his life. After his junior year in high school he joined the Army JROTC and completed basic training, with his younger brother currently following in his footsteps. This program provides an opportunity to earn Officer status upon graduation from college.

"The college experience has allowed me to grow as a person, to know myself better and to meet people from different cultures," said Gary. There really wasn't any money for school." And, he adds, "I chose the University of Miami so that I could earn a four year Nursing degree from a reputable school. I love the environment here at UM, the different cultures and the diversity - and of course, the weather."

Gary remains in the ROTC while taking a full complement of classes. He will finish his freshman biology course with an A average, one of the highest in the class - while simultaneously learning about acceptance of diverse cultures, defense and leadership with the ROTC.

Perhaps following in his mother's footsteps, "I have always been interested in Nursing, and I may go on to Medical School. I am sort of testing the waters with Nursing first," he said. "What most drives me is to put a smile on someone's face in the medical field. I can't wait to start Clinicals. It is so rewarding for me to see that I made a difference with a patient."

Gary admits that he is still angry with his father, but dedicates his energy instead to moving his life in a positive direction. He is driven to succeed, he says, despite his father's influence.

"In so many ways the scholarship has changed my life," said Gary. And he is more than willing to give back in the way that he knows best: caretaking. Not only for his family anymore, but also for his country. "If I am called into active duty, it would be a way for me to repay this great nation to defend it. It has done so much for me. And with medical training, I want to help the men and women who put their lives on the line every day."

- Arlene Adams Easley