Alessandro Andre Bailetti

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“My parents always taught me to do the best I can, and then do it better.”

  • Program: 2009 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Ithaca, NY
  • Hometown: Pisco, Peru
  • Age: 24

Biography

PROFILE: Alessandro Bailetti was 16 when his family immigrated to the United States from Peru in 2004. He spoke little English, and was worried that this would prevent him from achieving the education that his family had hoped he would receive in their new home in Florida. While he’s the first to admit that his language skills are still evolving, everything else in this hard working young man’s life is coming together nicely. He was an honor student at Pensacola Junior College (PJC) and is on his way to Cornell University where he’ll be a pre-med major. “Soon after I arrived in the States, I realized I would have to work extra hard, especially because of my English limitations.” Alessandro became a campus leader, tutor, community volunteer, and was selected as the PJC Ambassador, representing the college at various events around the state. In addition, he was a peer advisor and participated in new student orientations. His kind and gentle manner helped to make younger, first-time students feel at home. 


INSPIRATION: His late uncle, Oscar “Pancho” Bailetti, a world-traveler, accomplished engineer and businessman, was the man who had the greatest impact on young Alessandro. Although Uncle Pancho was rich and successful, he never forgot his humble roots and would help anyone he came upon who was in need. “He was the cornerstone of my family. He told me that if I was to succeed, I needed to be a well-rounded person, to always be humble, to think before acting, and to have a back-up plan.” Uncle Oscar would be proud of his nephew. “After his passing, I promised to work hard and do whatever I needed to do to succeed and help those in need.”

ASPIRATION: Before coming to the United States, Alessandro visited the National University of Agriculture in Peru and met a geneticist who explained to the teenager what he did and why it was important. From that moment on Alessandro was hooked and his future path was clear. He wanted to become a medical geneticist.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: At PJC, Alessandro was a charter member of a bioethics project, designed to educate the college population and the community about issues such as stem cell research, living wills, bioethics and religion, and many other topics. He was involved in organizing panel discussions open to the college community and residents of Pensacola. Alessandro is a strong supporter of the American Cancer Society and Keep American Beautiful. He has been the captain for many American Cancer Society events including Relay for Life and Mall to Mall Walk. In his Community College, Alessandro had been in countless campus, beach and park clean-ups. He has also tutored in his local Math Lab.

ACCOLADES: He was named to the All-Florida Academic Team and was chosen Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished Chapter President. In addition, Alessandro was honored as PJC’s Mathematical and Biological Departmental Scholar.


INTERESTING FACT: Because of a misunderstanding with the financial aid office at PJC, Alessandro only heard about the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and its scholarship programs a few days before the deadline. He was in a bind, but enlisted friends and colleagues at the college (included dedicated personnel in Financial Aid) in the mad dash to help him get the paperwork in on time. He made the deadline with time to spare. 

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