(Bradenton, Fla., Dec. 5, 2024) — Eduardo de Camargo Cazelli Balassiano wants to run a large business enterprise in the future. He currently manages his own stationery distribution business while attending State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) in Bradenton. As a recent high school graduate from Praia Grande, Brazil, and a first-generation college student, Balassiano is earning A grades in his four classes, including Principles of Marketing, taught by Jamie Smith, an adjunct professor and associate vice president of communications and government relations (CAGR) at SCF. Through her teaching and mentorship, Smith has helped Balassiano gain marketing knowledge and skills in her class and his part-time employment with the CAGR department.

Balassiano has assisted the CAGR team with multiple marketing tasks that directly support the college. He has helped with website search engine optimization, social media, research, campaigns, administrative and special projects. Balassiano eagerly lends a hand where needed. He enjoys learning about the marketing profession’s practices and impact.

“I work with advertising, like Facebook and Instagram, to promote my business and personal marketing,” he said. “I am trying to understand all the things, like accounting, if I want to bring my enterprise here. Every market can use marketing to improve.”

At SCF, Balassiano has experienced a welcoming, informative and supportive first semester.

“This college has really helped me,” said Balassiano. “The students are nice. The professors are great. Everybody’s helpful.”

SCF is Balassiano’s third study-abroad experience. He learned English in two schools in Brazil and then studied as an exchange student in Canada and San Fransisco. His mom and stepfather have helped support his educational endeavors.

Balassiano chose SCF based on a friend’s experience receiving a scholarship and moving from Brazil to Bradenton to attend and play volleyball at the college. Balassiano and his girlfriend, Giulia, made their move from Brazil to Bradenton in July and started at SCF in August. She studies business and receives tutoring to advance in her courses. In their free time, the couple enjoys watching movies and MasterChef Brazil, visiting the beach, Disney World and other places in Florida, and staying in touch with family members back home.

A college and career success coach guided Balassiano on which classes could be a good fit. He has excelled in all his courses, including Principles of Marketing, Strategies for College Success, Modularized Developmental Writing, and Diversity of Life. The Strategies for College Success class has been particularly engaging and helpful to him.

“It takes you through SCF life,” Balassiano said. “It’s a safe space to talk. We get advice from the teachers and students.”

Balassiano encourages incoming students to take advantage of jobs, sports, tutoring and other activities and resources offered at SCF.

“Use everything you have,” Balassiano said. “I’m grateful for being here and my mom for sending me here. It’s a good opportunity.”

Balassiano plans to graduate with an associate in arts (AA) degree focused on marketing at SCF, continue his education at a university toward a bachelor’s degree and achieve his professional goals.

“I want to manage something big and see all the parts,” he said.

To learn more about SCF or apply for admission, visit SCF.edu.