Giancarlo Zamora
Degree: Bachelor of Health Services Administration
College/School: Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Giancarlo Zamora is known as a remarkable student and a compassionate friend and mentor who never gives up, despite the circumstances.
Giancarlo awoke one September morning in 2013, during his freshman year of college at the University of South Florida, with stroke-like symptoms on the right side of his body. Doctors soon discovered he had a cavernous malformation of the brainstem, an abnormal cluster of blood cells. He was forced to withdraw from school to receive immediate medical care. One scheduled brain surgery turned into five within a span of 10 days. By the end of the final procedure, Giancarlo was deaf in one ear, mute, blind and immobile from the neck down.
Doctors feared he may never walk again. He proved them wrong. Not only is he walking today, but he is graduating with a 3.9 GPA. He also served as a resident supervisor in the School of Education and Human Development’s Panther LIFE Summer Residential Program, teaching students with intellectual disabilities independent living skills.
After years of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and rehabilitation, you could say Giancarlo has had firsthand experience with the disciplines of the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Giancarlo’s completion of his bachelor’s degree in health services administration and certificate in health and fitness marketing is a testament to the dedication of these health professionals to his recovery and to Giancarlo’s determination to complete his education.