NEARBY: Freeport Native, Veteran Awarded Scholarship

Editor's Note: This article was written by Julia Tomkins.

Former Freeport resident Juana Quijano is among three Nassau Community College students to receive scholarships from Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. 

The law firm has awarded scholarships to Carlisle and two other Long Island veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and are now enrolled at Nassau Community College. 

“It is incumbent upon the Long Island business community to assist our veterans as they transition into civilian life,” said Meyer Suozzi English & Klein, P.C. Managing Attorney Lois Carter Schlissel. “It is essential that we help them complete their education by providing tuition assistance so that they can compete for jobs in this very difficult economic climate.”

The Meyer Suozzi scholarship committee is chaired by A. Thomas Levin, chair of the firm's Local Government, Land Use Law and Environmental Compliance Practice and the Professional Responsibility Practice.

Former Freeport resident Juana Quijano is a single mother of three children ranging in age from 7-10 years old. Corporal Quijano served in the military from 2002 until 2012, including a tour of duty in Iraq from 2007-2008. Corporal Quijano, who graduated from Freeport High School in 1999, says she is proud of her service to her country which she says made her mentally and physically stronger. 

She says that her time in uniform has taught her to be loyal, honest, brave and courageous no matter what the circumstances. She hopes to pursue a career as a clinical social worker, working with veterans and helping them to address the issues that shape and complicate their everyday lives. 

She would like to help them deal with relationship and personal or family problems which for many have been caused by PTSD and other ailments contracted while in the service. She says her helping her fellow veterans would create a sense of satisfaction because they need to understand that they are not alone.

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