Mikhail Elliott

PROFILE: Upon arriving in America from his home country of Jamaica in 2005, Mikhail “Mike” Elliott had big dreams, but was rather unsure of how they would unfold.  Mikhail’s pursuit of those dreams was put on hold for over three years, while he endured the waiting process that goes along with applying for immigration status. He did not let this time away from school and meaningful employment deter him, though. When asked what career he would like to pursue, the confident, young man replies: “World Changer.” Mikhail’s drive, resume, and background support his goal of doing just that: changing the world. A business economics major in community college, Mikhail would like to begin those changes in his native land and assist with attacking the poverty and high unemployment rates which led to rampant violence and rioting in the spring of 2010. “One pivotal moment which enhanced this vision occurred when I returned home in 2009 and saw the immense dilapidation and poverty, particularly in my home town,” Mikhail said. Teenagers were “idle and reckless,” he said, because they had few opportunities. Mikhail is committed to helping these young people make something of themselves “as I am currently doing.”  

 
INSPIRATION: Mikhail is driven by his desire to change the way Jamaica does business, and hopefully make a sizable dent in the country’s poverty and crime levels. 

ASPIRATION: “The world lacks enough minds with the ability and knowledge to allocate scarce resources appropriately,” Mikhail said. Because of this, resources become prematurely depleted. The current recession was caused by the misappropriation of funds and uncontrolled nationwide spending, borrowing and loaning. Mikhail wants to be an influential force within a new generation of economists and entrepreneurs committed to preventing a repeat of the financial downfall. He also hopes to begin a “chain of entrepreneurship” in Jamaica to provide jobs for the youth there. 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Being named President of Phi Theta Kappa’s Florida Region is Mikhail’s proudest achievement. “The fact that I was given the opportunity to carry the Florida flag at the international convention and represent my entire state in front of thousands of people was one of the most exhilarating and humbling experiences of my life,” he said.

ACCOLADES: In addition to the above mentioned honor from Phi Theta Kappa, Mikhail was named to the All-Florida Academic 1st Team. He also is the recipient of a letter of Congressional Recognition for excellence in community service from the Office of US Representative Alan Grayson.

INTERESTING FACT: His full name is “Mikhail Ivan Keno Elliott” which is an acrostic for his nickname, “Mike.” He was also born on Friday the 13^th and said he is “terrified of possums and komodo dragons.”