Immigrant from Peru Finds Success at Tri-C

Nadia Beraun earns associate degree as she works toward a career helping others

CLEVELAND — Nadia Beraun was just a preschooler when her father left Peru in search of a better future in the United States. Twelve years passed before the family could journey north and join him. The long-awaited reunion took place in Cleveland in the summer of 2011.

But soon after the family joined back together under the same roof, the household was torn apart as her parents divorced.

Amidst all the change, Beraun kept a focus on education thanks to her high school counselor.

Beraun — who will receive an Associate of Arts degree from Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) at Spring Commencement on May 19 — now wants to become a school counselor so that she can help others.

“I went through some hard times, but I found support when I most needed it,” said Beraun, 21, of Cleveland. “My counselor showed me the opportunities that existed. I knew if I went for it, I could succeed.”

Beraun enrolled in Tri-C’s English as a Second Language program after graduating from Cleveland’s Thomas Jefferson International Newcomers Academy. She began taking credit classes after becoming more confident in her language skills.

While at Tri-C, Beraun served as a student ambassador at the Western Campus in Parma.

After commencement, she intends to transfer to Cleveland State University to continue her studies and pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“I grew up knowing the importance of education,” Beraun said. “My mom pushed me to put school first, and others helped me along the way. I am so much farther ahead thanks to the motivation that I received.”