South Florida college student gets special wish that will benefit her forever

NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – If you could have one wish, any wish, granted, what would it be?

The wonderful folks from Make-A-Wish Southern Florida have helped kids go to Disney World, and on cruises, but the wish it granted on Monday is very different.

Fernandye Eugene, 20, is living with a blood disorder.

Her only wish was for college tuition.

Make-A-Wish presented Eugene with a $10,000 check to help her pursue a major in business at the Miami-Dade College – North Campus.

“My parents aren’t very wealthy. I would like to be able to help them, and to be able to help myself,” Eugene said. “I decided to do that rather than wishing for something like seeing a celebrity or going on a vacation, or anything like that, something that would benefit me long-term.”

“Whether you are meeting a celebrity or going to Disney World, or going on a cruise, or having tuition so you can continue your college career, each wish has impact,” said Richard Kelly, Chief Operating Officer from Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. “And our wish kids and their families tell us how that impact is in memories and something they will remember forever.”

“The Make-a-Wish Foundation makes wishes. They are like a wish factory,” said Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami-Dade College. “Miami-Dade College is like a dream factory. So today, we have married a wish and a dream.”

Eugene said that she was thrilled that her professors, her dean, and even the Miami-Dade College President, could be there in person to see her dream come true.

“I was shocked about all the people who came. It meant a lot to me.”