How UoPeople Made It Possible to Pursue My Passion for Health Science

I have always believed that education has the power to transform lives, connect cultures, and create opportunities that extend beyond borders. Throughout my life, I have pursued learning not only to advance my own education and career but also to help others discover their potential.

As a teacher, father, and lifelong learner, my journey has taken me across countries, educational systems, and academic disciplines. Completing my Associate of Science in Health Science at University of the People in August 2025 was another important milestone in that journey, reinforcing a belief I have carried with me for decades: learning never stops, and it is never too late to pursue a new goal.

Growing Up Across Cultures and Discovering My Passion for Education

I am originally from the Caribbean and currently live in West Palm Beach, Florida. I grew up in a rich multicultural environment, with much of my education and early formative experience taking place in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where I lived, studied, and taught for 18 years.

Education was always regarded as an essential tool for opening doors and transforming communities. That understanding shaped my outlook from an early age. I was drawn to two subjects in particular: science and communication. I enjoyed exploring how the natural world works, while learning languages gave me the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Over time, these interests developed into a passion for teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others. I wanted a career that would allow me to share knowledge while helping people build confidence in their own abilities.

I am also a first-generation college graduate. Being among the first in my family to pursue and complete higher education was deeply meaningful. It represented years of effort and sacrifice, but it also meant setting an example for my children and younger family members. I wanted them to see that determination and education can help overcome cultural and geographical barriers and create possibilities for the next generation.

Building a Career in Education Across Borders

Before enrolling at UoPeople, I had already spent many years building a career in education. My academic journey included higher education studies at Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) in the Dominican Republic, a Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from UNICDA, and a TESOL Professional Certificate earned in Costa Rica in 2014.

I have taught high school science, mathematics, and English as a Second Language (ESL/ESOL) in a variety of educational settings. My experience includes international schools in the Dominican Republic, public schools in Phoenix, Arizona, within the Cartwright School District, and work as an adjunct faculty member at Rio Salado College.

Today, I teach English Language Arts (ELA), ESOL, Spanish, and Biology at Royal Palm Beach High School in Florida. Working across different subjects and with students from diverse backgrounds has given me a broad perspective on education and the different ways people learn.

My professional journey has also involved significant transitions. Moving from the Dominican Republic to Arizona and later to Florida meant continually adapting to new educational systems, curricula, professional expectations, and licensing requirements. Doing so while raising a family of five required patience, resilience, and considerable adaptability.

Each transition taught me to embrace change rather than resist it. It also reinforced my belief that learning is a lifelong and borderless endeavor.

Why I Chose University of the People

I discovered UoPeople while looking for an academic pathway that offered flexibility, quality, and accessibility. As a full-time educator and father, I needed a program that could fit around my professional and family responsibilities.

UoPeople’s mission of making higher education accessible to learners around the world immediately resonated with me. Its flexible online model offered an opportunity to continue my education without putting my existing commitments on hold.

I enrolled in the Health Science program because of my longstanding interest in science, human biology, and medical studies. I had previously completed coursework through the eighth semester of medical school at Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (UTESA), so the subject was already an important part of my academic background.

For me, earning the Health Science degree represented more than another academic qualification. It was an opportunity to revisit a subject I had always been passionate about while continuing to grow as an educator and lifelong learner.

Learning in a Global Classroom: Why UoPeople Worked for Me

One of the things I appreciated most about UoPeople was its global classroom model. Interacting with classmates from different countries and cultural backgrounds brought perspectives that enriched discussions and challenged me to think beyond my own experiences.

The structured online learning environment also helped me strengthen my digital literacy and time-management skills. These were particularly valuable because I could apply what I learned directly to my own teaching practice.

As an educator, I began thinking more deliberately about how to design hybrid and online learning experiences for my students. My experience as a UoPeople student gave me a better understanding of what adult and non-traditional learners need to succeed in an online environment. It also reminded me that effective digital education requires more than delivering information; it involves creating structure, encouraging engagement, and making learning accessible.

The experience reinforced my appreciation for educational models that bring people together across geographical and cultural boundaries.

Bringing My Learning Back to the Classroom

My education at UoPeople, combined with my background in science and language instruction, has strengthened my professional versatility.

At Royal Palm Beach High School, I work with diverse learners across English Language Arts, ESOL, Spanish, and Biology. I help students navigate scientific texts, develop language skills, and build confidence in their ability to understand complex concepts.

My academic experiences across international institutions, community colleges, and UoPeople have also allowed me to connect traditional classroom teaching with modern digital pedagogy. I see the value of combining different approaches to make learning more engaging and accessible.

Whether I am teaching Biology, helping students prepare college admissions essays, or developing interactive review materials, I draw on my own experiences as a learner. Having navigated different educational systems and pursued multiple academic goals while working and raising a family, I understand that every student brings a unique set of circumstances to the classroom.

I believe this perspective makes me a more empathetic educator. It allows me to encourage students not only to master a subject but also to recognize their capacity to keep learning and growing.

My Advice to Other Learners: Consistency Matters

For anyone balancing a career, family responsibilities, and higher education, my advice is simple: consistency is your greatest asset.

There will be days when finding time for coursework feels difficult. When you have a full-time job, a family, and other responsibilities, momentum often matters more than perfection. Show up every day, engage with your classmates, and approach challenges as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up.

It is also important to recognize that progress does not always happen all at once. Every assignment completed, every discussion joined, and every course passed brings you closer to your goal.

Most importantly, do not underestimate what you can accomplish when you remain committed to your education.

Looking Ahead: Continuing to Teach, Learn, and Inspire

My academic journey is still unfolding. I am currently completing the final capstone course for a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Thomas Edison State University. Once I reach that milestone, I hope to continue expanding my impact as an educator and instructional coach.

I am also interested in developing educational and entrepreneurial initiatives that connect multicultural communities. These include creating digital learning resources and developing mentorship opportunities for young people.

Having lived, studied, and worked across different countries, I understand how valuable it can be for learners to have access to guidance, resources, and opportunities that help them move forward. I hope to contribute to initiatives that make those opportunities more accessible.

For me, education has never been about reaching a single destination. It is an ongoing process of discovery, growth, and sharing what I have learned with others.

A Lifelong Commitment to Learning

Balancing a busy household, teaching full-time, coaching sports, and pursuing multiple higher education milestones is not always easy. It requires organization, family support, and a strong belief in the value of education.

My journey has involved moving between countries, adapting to new professional environments, and continuing my studies while managing the responsibilities of family life. Each experience has taught me something about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of remaining open to new possibilities.

I hope my story encourages other non-traditional and immigrant learners to recognize that it is never too late to reinvent themselves, pursue another qualification, or work toward a new ambition. Our circumstances may change, and our paths may take unexpected turns, but learning can continue at every stage of life.

Education has helped shape the person and educator I am today. I intend to keep learning, keep teaching, and keep using that knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

About the Author

Wilkenson B. is a University of the People Health Science graduate. Originally from the Caribbean and based in West Palm Beach, Florida, he is a multilingual educator fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole. He teaches English Language Arts, ESOL, Spanish, and Biology at Royal Palm Beach High School and is passionate about lifelong learning, multicultural education, and youth mentorship.Beyond teaching, Wilkenson enjoys learning to play the piano, following sports analytics, and coaching youth basketball and soccer. He has also served as a team leader with UYK Travel. Through his digital platform, Island of Two Suns, he shares content celebrating Caribbean culture, history, and education. His interests reflect his commitment to learning, supporting young people, and connecting communities through education and culture.