The Law Firm of Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd is pleased to announce Marisa Reali as the winner of the Fall 2020 Veterans Scholarship, a $1,000 award granted twice per year that helps a deserving student who is a military veteran or family member of a military veteran, possesses good character, and is dedicated to furthering their education. Marisa’s story is that of determination, devotion to helping others, and a passion for her future career as a nurse. These qualities, combined with her excellent school record, and unwavering strength and sacrifice as a military spouse show that Marisa truly embodies the spirit of the scholarship.
Marisa has always put the needs of others before her own. After having her first daughter at a young age, she married her high school sweetheart and left home to build a new life with her family. Her husband enlisted in the military and her world became one of proud uncertainty– proud of her husband’s selfless dedication to serving, uncertain of where they would live and when he would be deployed, and what the future would hold.
“There are so many sacrifices and adjustments made that it literally became a part of my identity. I identified myself as a military spouse . . . I would never know when my husband would have late nights, field time, or deployments. I also gave up job promotions because I was unable to promise longevity.”
As her husband fought in combat and advanced through the ranks to become an accomplished military leader, Marisa remained steadfast in her role as a wife, mother, caregiver, and supporter. She and her husband had their second daughter and her family became her number one priority.
“My number one focus my entire adult life was my husband and my girls. Everything revolved around their schedules and their needs.”
Not until her husband retired from active duty and her family life became more stable did Marisa feel ready to pursue her own career and dreams. She had watched her husband attend night classes at the local college while enlisted in the military, and she knew that she could accomplish her goals while still being there for her family. She just needed a plan.
“I had the mindset of it being now or never. I want to accomplish something that I have always wanted to do. I know that will also make my family proud.”
In April 2019, Marisa graduated from Valencia College with an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies. Motivated to continue her education and passionate about helping others, Marisa completed her pre-requisites and applied to Valencia College’s School of Nursing. She was admitted to the program for the summer of 2020.
But her plans were temporarily derailed when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic struck. The Valencia College School of Nursing pushed the start of the program back by four months. However, Marisa’s excitement and eagerness for joining the medical community has only been bolstered by the pandemic.
“Nursing is important to me because it is the opportunity to help people through healing. In light of recent events in this pandemic, my dedication to complete this journey has only been strengthened. I am so proud of the medical professionals in this country!”
Having been raised by military parents herself and witnessing first-hand the pain and suffering of mental health sickness and substance abuse, Marisa is ingrained with the perseverance to do anything and the compassion to help everyone. Now, as she prepares for her next chapter in nursing school, we know Marisa will continue to be a light of positivity, fortitude, and inspiration. Congratulations Marisa, and we wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
About the Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd Scholarship for Veterans and Their Families
The Law Firm of Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd started its annual scholarship contest in 2018 so that students like Marisa Reali could work towards her academic and professional goals without the added stress of affording tuition. The Scholarship for Veterans and Their Families is worth $1000 and is awarded twice a year to those who fought in the military, as well as their family members.
Our attorneys believe the men and women who served in our military deserve the respect, honor, and gratitude of a thankful nation, regardless of branch. We know there’s no singular action that we can take to fully thank our veterans and their families and we believe veterans, as well as their family members, deserve the opportunity to receive a quality education. Our scholarship is designed to help America’s greatest heroes further their goals and careers.
For application details and deadlines, please visit our Scholarship for Veterans and Their Families web page here.
About the Law Firm of Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd
The Law Firm of Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd was founded on two main principles: that every case is important and each client deserves personal attention. For over four decades, we have provided client-focused legal representation to tens of thousands of Treasure Coast residents and their families, securing more than $500 million to help them recover from personal injuries, receive the government benefits they deserve, and gain a fresh start in life.
Our firm encompasses four offices along the Treasure Coast and we specialize in settling auto accident cases, personal injury claims, workers’ compensation, social security disability claims disputes, veterans’ disability claims disputes, and bankruptcy and foreclosures.
