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It's great to have a job you love. Even better is when your job
allows you to see firsthand how others benefit because of your efforts.
Better still is when you're recognized for those efforts.
Bobbie Fernandez, program manager for the Teachers for Colorado
(TFC) scholarship program, has landed in precisely this position.
Last month, she was awarded the Governor's Diversity Award, one
of only seven awards presented as part of the prestigious STAR (State
Top Achievement Recognition) program.
"Getting an award for doing something you love. How much better
can it get?" Fernandez asked.
The Governor's Diversity Award recognizes outstanding performance
in promoting diversity within state government. Fernandez was honored
for her efforts in promoting diversity through the TFC program,
which helps students of color who wish to become teachers.
A Metro State employee for 26 years, Fernandez has worked in the
Teacher Education Center for eight years. She not only advises and
assists TFC students, she also works with students enrolled in the
Denver Public Schools and the Colorado Mountain College Paraprofessional
to Teacher Programs and the bilingual/bicultural program.
Many of the students Fernandez assists face numerous challenges
in obtaining a degree. Many are single parents. Others are working
two or three jobs. There are financial hardships, health problems
and family difficulties. "It takes some of the students five,
six or seven years to get through," Fernandez said. "It's
so very satisfying to see them get their diplomas and to see their
success after working so hard. It's truly humbling."
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