For Ryan Powell, attending Broward College made all the sense in the world. That’s because he’s not only a student, but he’s a valued employee, too.

“I often witnessed the nursing students taking their graduation pictures at the end of each semester, which inspired me,” Powell said. “From that first moment I know I’d eventually enroll in the College."

Now, fast forward and Powell is graduating with an Bachelor’s Degree in Supervision and Management. Powell credits Broward College giving him credit for his prior learning, which helped fast-track his Associate of Science degree and allowed him to pursue his bachelor's degree.

Oh, did we forget to mention, Powell is a licensed electrician who is relied upon to keep Broward College’s campuses running smoothly. He said that during his time as a student, he made it a point to see all three of the College’s main campus locations.

“Each semester, I chose a different campus to take my classes, allowing me to view the campus from a student’s perspective,” he said. “This helped me perform my job more effectively as a facilities manager because being in those classrooms enabled me to identify issues with the buildings that I may not have otherwise noticed.”

It’s that attention to detail and thinking outside of the box that makes Powell stand out, not just as a student but as an employee, too.

“Ryan oversees complex construction initiatives, consistently demonstrating his ability to manage projects effectively while maintaining the highest standards,” said Deborah Czubkowski, vice president of facilities management at Broward College. “His journey reflects a continuous drive for growth and improvement, making him a valued and respected member of the college community.”

Like many Broward College students, balancing work and school life is something Powell struggled with daily. He said he had to sacrifice a significant amount of his personal time being a student and a family-man.

“I became a father at a young age, and got married early, and my primary focus was providing for my family,” he said. “I overcame this challenge by using my family as motivation to aspire for more in life and never giving up.”

Powell hopes that by sharing his story, he can be an example for someone who may find themselves in a similar situation, knowing that no matter what you are balancing in life, through hard work and perseverance you can follow your educational dreams.