Boston native and Earl Woods Scholar alumnus Vladimir Casseus grew up instilled with the mantra that education was the key to success. Alongside his parents, who pushed him to excel academically, Vladimir was guided by teachers, friends, mentors, church members, coaches and the extended family he built at TGR Foundation.
“They all played a part in helping me attain the skills needed to be academically, socially and emotionally successful,” he shares. “Being surrounded by people that cared about me and held me accountable for my actions contributed to my overall development and success in school. I never felt like I was ever alone in any situation or endeavor I encountered. I was reassured by knowing that even when I made mistakes, there was going to be someone there to pick me up or let me know what I could have done differently to experience more positive outcomes in the future.”
With a master’s degree in school psychology from Tufts University, Vladimir has worked as a School Psychologist within Boston Public Schools for more than three years. He’s committed to motivating students to surpass their potential and overcome all obstacles.
TGR Foundation: What is your passion and why?
Vladimir Casseus: I am passionate about helping students feel safe and supported in school by ensuring that their social-emotional needs are met. I am motivated to give students the skills necessary to overcome obstacles and challenges they may face in their lives.
TGRF: How has your journey been shaped by education?
VC: Education has given me the confidence to succeed professionally in the field of School Psychology. It has allowed me to impact the lives of many students and advocate for others who experience struggles socially, emotionally or behaviorally. Education has inspired me to pay it forward and share the knowledge I have gained with others.
TGRF: What has been your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?
VC: My greatest challenge has been my tendency to doubt myself when placed in new and unfamiliar situations. I have been able to overcome this by using each challenge that I encounter as a teachable moment and steppingstone to future successes.
TGRF: How are you using your education and experiences to empower other students like you?
VC: I strive to inspire my students to use education as a way to accomplish their dreams. I always encourage them to enjoy the process of learning and to avoid taking shortcuts in life. Nothing worth having comes easy.
TGRF: When do you feel most empowered?
VC: I feel the most empowered when I am able to work with the parents of my students to collaborate and develop strategies to help their sons and daughters succeed in school.
Redefining what it means to be a champion.
The Earl Woods Scholar Program is funded through support from TGR Live Events, State Street, Farmers Insurance, Aptive Environmental and Bank of the West. Join us to Empower The Journey of more students like Grace in this season of giving. With a $41K match from our Board of Governors, all donations made on Giving Tuesday, December 3, through the end of the year will be matched, dollar for dollar. Click here to learn more and donate today.
