The old adage says that a smooth sea never made for a skilled sailor. As is the case for Nickenson Chery, an FNU graduate who had to fight great obstacles to find success, even when his journey took him across the country. Nickenson began at FNU in the Spring of 2008 as a Radiology major. Midway through his career, Nickenson had a change of heart and switched to Health Services Administration after realizing he’d prefer a more “behind-the-scenes” approach to the medical field. While ultimately being the right move, the career change came with adversity: “I spent entire nights awake studying and doing homework. I’d consistently go to bed at 2 or 3AM, only to wake up early the next day and start over.” The hard work eventually paid off as Nickenson graduated from FNU with his Bachelor’s Degree in April of 2015.
When asked about his experience and impression of his time as a Conquistador, he was nothing but grateful: “I truly loved FNU. It was a great experience. I always felt at home and part of a family. If you need any help, professors and staff are always available. They give you all the tools necessary to get your work done and succeed. If it wasn’t for FNU, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ll always recommend FNU to anyone looking for a great education, regardless of what they want to study.”
Nickenson’s journey was just beginning, taking a long road which lead him across the country searching for the perfect career. It started here in South Florida, serving as an intern at Aventura Hospital. When that didn’t lead to a long-term option, he moved to Las Vegas for a short amount of time, only to leave there as well and end up in his current home, Boston. Nickenson Chery now works at Boston Children’s Hospital Trust in their Developmental Services/Government Services department, proving that no matter the odds or the struggles one faces, perseverance and hard work will lead you to glory.
Nickenson still comes across FNU commercials in Boston and reminisces with a heavy heart about his time as a Conquistador. He left this advice for current students: “You have to stay focused. You have to know where you’re going. You have to have goals. You have to be respectful. Don’t take anything for granted. If it wasn’t for FNU that taught me a lot of stuff in and out of the classroom, I would’ve never gotten this position. I have a degree from Florida National University, nothing can stop me”
