Joana Mitra grew up in Lima, Peru, and wanted to become a diplomat. After graduating from high school, she and her family emigrated to the United States in 2020. Mitra’s mother and late grandmother, who raised her, taught her to be resilient, independent, to have a strong work ethic and other deeply held values.

“My mother and grandmother are my greatest inspirations,” said Mitra. “My mom showed me it’s never too late to start something new.”

Mitra and her sister are first-generation college graduates. A family friend recommended State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) to Mitra, and she began attending SCF in 2022.

“I quickly saw it was a great place to start my college journey,” Mitra said. “It felt approachable and affordable.”

Mitra graduated with an Associate in Arts degree from SCF in Spring 2025. She is currently completing two math courses at SCF before transferring to the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance.

Early on at SCF, Mitra said she felt nervous navigating the U.S. education system as an immigrant and non-native English speaker. After taking the college’s English for Academic Purposes program classes in her first semester, she gained confidence in the classroom. She further developed academically by participating in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program, the Beeler Scholars Passport program, the Sigma Kappa Delta English Honors Society and the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

“When I started, I thought everyone else had it figured out, but I realized we’re all learning as we go – what we like, what we don’t like and what we’re capable of,” Mitra shared. “SCF has TRIO, tutoring, tools and professors who are always willing to help. Once I reached out, I realized I wasn’t alone, and that support made all the difference.”

Mitra also worked as a student employee with the State College of Florida Foundation, where she processed accounts payable and assisted with fundraising events. Through SCF, she secured her current finance assistant job at The Sarasota Ballet, where she processes accounts receivable. 

She hopes to build a career that combines finance, international travel and service to others so she can continue learning while making a positive impact.

Mitra expressed appreciation for her professors, the TRIO SSS staff, the Foundation staff and others who supported her throughout her academic journey.

“I’m grateful for the education opportunities I’ve had since moving to the U.S., especially at SCF and in life,” she said. “SCF gave me a place to grow, learn and discover more about myself, and it became the starting point for my career.”

Outside of school, Mitra enjoys going to the beach, shopping, practicing yoga, running and traveling. In the future, she wants to visit Norway and sleep under the northern lights in that region.

Joana’s journey demonstrates the invaluable opportunities for SCF students to try new classes and interests, access the tools and support they need, and go higher in their education and career track.

At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re Everyone’s College.

Learn more about SCF’s Associate in Arts degree program at SCF.edu. Learn more about SCF’s English for Academic Purposes program at SCF.edu.

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