Orlando Currie Sr. Honor Student at El Centro College

 “El Centro College help me to think critically, and to move forward for better purposes in life.”

By: Orlando Currie Sr.

By: Marco Ayllon

El Centro College Dallas College

Orlando Currie, Sr., was born in Philadelphia, PA, an inspired writer who loved the arts.  At the age of 18 years old, he went to Philadelphia Performance Arts Academy (1980-1984).  Orlando’s first play was “A Child Play” at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, which won a notable achievement award.

Orlando was always moved by music and drama, so he joined a ten-piece band.  He played for former U.S. Senator Huntz of Pennsylvania, who called him to Washington to write for an essay project – and his successful essay was called “Unemployment and How to Succeed in the Urban City.”   

From 1987 to 1990, Orlando moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, and felt very concerned about Southern living and the hardships faced by families and especially children.  Inspired to write, he spent from 1992 to 1996 writing his first of many books, “Conquer and Endure”, an excerpt of which was printed in Reader’s Digest.  In 2001, “Conquer and Endure” won Reader’s Digest’s “5 Star People’s Choice Award” for the “Best Inspirational Book of the Year”.

Orlando moved to Miami, Florida, for a new job at American Airlines, for which he worked 19 ½ years.  After retirement, he continued to write articles for several community projects.

In 2007, Orlando moved to Dallas, Texas, where he met Ms. Leticia Grant, a well-known writer of  North Texas singer and performer who asked  Orlando to help her rewrite  and direct the play, “Prayer and a Change,” a story of a 12-year-old prostitute who finds God.  The play production also utilizes praise and worship, singers, and dancers.  Those successes have inspired Orlando to write and develop more scripts for play and cinema.

In 2010, Orlando joined the ministry through which he was ordained and currently serves as Associate Pastor.  Founding OMC Entertainment & Casting also in 2010, Pastor Orlando works to further the Gospel through the arts – using plays and musicals to reach new audiences with encouragement and the Word of God.  He now has CDs – his first Gospel single – which will be released on Seaborn Gospel Records.  He has also formed a non-profit called “Christian House” that will benefit from his work with and through his musical, drama, cinema, and theatrical arts.

Attended Ell Centro College since 2012, and studied Paralegal Program successfully, he earned his Phi Theta Kappa certificate in November 2012.  Now he is a member of the El Centro College Honor Society.

He said: “El Centro College helped me to think critically, and to move forward for better purposes in life.”

Orlando is an active member of the DECCA program; this program helps young people to become business entrepreneurs. “I would like to thank all my professors for helping me reach my triumphs,” he added.  Also, Orlando co-founder of Christian Legal O.M.C, which reach people‘s needs, providing Paralegals and Counselors in the Civil, Criminal, and Spiritual needs.

Marcia Miles:"I published my first book about eating lean cuisine and always interested in healthy life style and good nutrition"

 It was an interesting experience at El Centro College, because I like to persevere and not to give up especially in my tough courses, and I like challenges. I love science, nature, plants, and trees.

By: Marco Ayllon

El Centro College, Dallas College

Marcia Miles has been attending El Centro College since 1991. Marcia said: “I started living in Dallas, Texas, after changing residence from London, England, and I love Texas.” Her major is Computer Science and Business Administration with a 3.6 GPA, and she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She said: “I loved taking COSC 1301, and my spring 2013 was a fun semester. I want to thank everyone in this College who helped me to complete my different classes. Linda Savage is the best academic advisor in technology. Marcia has won many prestigious awards, certificates,  and trophies for her writing.
I like to write poetry with topics about Aviation, Romance, Inspirational, Free Versus, Nature, and Trees.”

As a dedicated and organized student, Marcia said: “I wanted to become a writer; now I’ve gained more skills at El Centro College.  “Always loved to cook, and after working in the restaurant industry as a food and hospitality designer, I published my first book about eating lean cuisine and always interested in a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition.  The name of her book is: Fabulous Foods Fun Flavors, published by Publish America Baltimore, 173 pages. Well, in my book, you will also find a gourmet guide to prepare delicious meals. “People need to eat properly and nutritious and nor to restrict to diet," she stated.

It was an interesting experience at El Centro College, because I like to "persevere and not give up," especially in my tough courses, and I like challenges. I love science, nature, plants, and trees.

As a single mom, I had many demanding and arduous undertakings, and I conquered all strivings with love.  I love my daughter Natalia so much; she is my only child. We made it possible so she could attend private school here in downtown Dallas. I wanted her to attend school because she will get extra reinforcement. Also, as a parent, I got extraordinary, particular family support from her school that I was looking for. Now she graduated from Barry Catholic International University in Miami Shores, Florida.

My experience at El Centro College was outstanding. I love the setting in a building with many elevators, like any Corporation in downtown Dallas. I found excellent instructors and professors who push us to the limits and to excel.  “I like the fact that my professors like to spend more time with the students if we have more difficulties.

Verna Golden: "At El Centro I learned better about diversity"

At the down town campus I receive a lot of support; they often help me, for instance: my writing improved with Dr. Michael Stone, he help us to build strong arguments and to analyze implementing critical thinking

By: Marco Ayllon

El Centro College, Dallas College

I like to introduce you Verna Golden, a bright El Centro College student. “I am planning to graduate in the spring of 2014. My major is Nursing and an Associate of Science. My GPA is 3.8, and every day I learn new subjects at my college.” Verna is attending El Centro College since 2009 and enjoys completing different research projects. “I am a fortunate student because I received an educational grant,” she stated. My top instructor is Mr. Ayllon because he taught me to think critically and about technology; and another one memorable course is PSY1 class. Verna said: “My journey to now was a little tumultuous with my family and as a good student I like to take as many notes, and I am a good listener, I follow my church mentors and El Centro College professors to excel as student.”

At the downtown campus, I receive a lot of support; they often help me. For instance: my writing improved with Dr. Michael Stone, he help us to build strong arguments and to analyze first. I implement these skills with my own children. I have four adorable sons and two gorgeous grandchildren. At El Centro, I learned more about diversity and different and modern viewpoints from different professors. As a student, I feel connected to the college through many initiatives. Now I show them, and I suggest to them, the newcomers, the students: “better and easier ways to succeed at this school.”

“I am so grateful to the International City Church; they made an impact in my life because I find diversity in its members. Well, this church is an interdenominational Christian church; they teach us to be united and work in groups. I work as a Leader Assistant and as a Food Pantry volunteer called Bread from Heaven”

“I like to work at El Centro College doing volunteer service, assisting the new students, helping them get acquainted with different school procedures. I think education should be available for anyone and learning never stops.” “To return all the assistance I’ve received, I wish to come back someday to El Centro as a professional to continue my devotion to help, and I will make sure to stay connected.”