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Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
He changed laws and inspired youth. Now, this Miami Lakes grad is Harvard-bound
Former Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid still remembers the first time he met Maurits Acosta. He was a seventh grader with a pitch to prevent street flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Eta. Cid told him to put it in writing. A week later, it landed in his inbox. Acosta organized support, presented before the town council, and defended the proposal at multiple hearings. It passed — modifying a 17-year-old ordinance which, according to Cid, has benefited dozens if not hundreds of households since its revision. 'Nobody questioned it until a seventh-grader said, 'We can do better,'' Cid said. 'That's civic leadership.' That same kid just graduated Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School on Tuesday and is now Boston-bound. He was accepted at Yale University, but he decided he wants to head to Harvard, a testament to the dedication of a student who made it his mission to show others the importance of being civically engaged. He's the pride of a community that just got out of his way and let him lead — even giving him an office inside his high school as a command center for his many projects and initiatives. At 18, Acosta's resumé is staggering: he served a one-year term as student advisor to the School Board of Miami-Dade County, served in multiple public service roles for the Town of Miami Lakes, and in 2022 launched a nonprofit, Virtuem Populo, dedicated to promoting civic engagement among youth across Florida. He was the 2025 Miami Herald Silver Knight recipient in Social Science. His alma mater, Miami Lakes Middle School, even named an award after him. ('He's a legend here,' said Miami Lakes Middle social studies teacher Lisa Deyarza, who helped Acosta organize the anti-flooding ordinance initiative.) Acosta worked on dozens of local initiatives and advised the mayor himself. Cid said Acosta's journey 'deserves a movie at some point,' and also offers a blueprint: Start in the classroom, expand to the school, then the community, county, and eventually the country. Born and raised in the Netherlands by his Cuban-born parents, Acosta moved to the U.S. at age 9. In the years since, he's woven himself into the civic fabric of Miami Lakes, driven by a blend of pride in his heritage and democratic idealism. A visit to Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School with Acosta quickly becomes a walk through his legacy. Ashwan Lawson, a security guard, greets him at the front desk with a laugh and a nickname: 'Marco Rubio!' The school has benefited from Acosta's ambition. Social studies teacher Rukayat Adebisi, who heads HML's legal studies program, first heard from Acosta in summer 2021 — weeks before he'd even started freshman year. Over the phone, he pitched her a vision: build the school its first-ever courtroom, a feature other schools had but HML lacked. 'He's telling me all his plans and I kept thinking, 'who is this kid telling me what we're about to do?'' Adebisi said. 'But I listened. I was like, 'Okay, we'll see where this goes.'' Once enrolled, Acosta successfully rallied a team of students to lobby the Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board and other entities, securing funding for the project along with a renovation of the school's planetarium. On Friday, four years later, the school is cutting the ribbon on its new courtroom. 'He's not a talker; he's a doer,' said Adebisi, who also serves on Virtuem Populo's board of directors. 'I think he challenges his peers to be better versions of themselves. I think that's his legacy.' Acosta's other feats at HML include starting a foodie club and launching the school's first-ever alumni association, which had its kickoff event earlier this month with over 100 in attendance, according to Acosta. 'Not to toot my own horn — but I feel like a lot of the work I've done, I've been able to bring up others with me,' Acosta said. By senior year, Acosta had three internship periods built into his schedule — time used for civic meetings, community events, and duties from his school board advisory role. Inside his office, which is nestled within the school's front office, walls are adorned with memorabilia: a proclamation from Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, framed photos with U.S. Senator Rick Scott and President Joe Biden and a Harvard tumbler beside a business cardholder. Among the keepsakes is a class assignment from a fellow Miami Lakes Middle School alum, declaring her dream: to become 'the next Maurits.' Acosta says his free time is limited — 'not a lot, but just enough.' He recently picked up golf ('not great at it,' he admits), and plans a summer trip to Nicaragua to meet the family of his girlfriend, Melany Alvarez, who's heading to Florida State University to study sociology. She preceded him as student body president and captained the dance team at HML. Are they HML's power couple? 'I think so, yeah. A little bit,' Acosta said. Acosta, who leaves for Boston in August, is unsure about where exactly his career path is headed. He's still considering whether he wants to study law or government at Harvard, but he said he's sure of one thing: 'I want to live a life dedicated to public service.' Asked about whether his name would one day appear on a Florida ballot, Acosta said 'maybe.' 'I definitely envision myself one day coming back to Miami and serving this community that's opened its doors to me and my family,' he said. Acosta's passion for public service is rooted, in part, by a sense of responsibility stemming from his family's experiences living in Cuba. Although his parents, Sergio and Anet, left Cuba decades ago, Acosta still has family in the country. His parents met in the Netherlands in the late 1990s, when his father was working as a radio journalist and producer. When his employer, Radio Netherlands, faced federal funding cuts, the family made the decision to move to U.S. The hardest part of emigrating was convincing the then 9-year-old Maurits, his father said, but the move ultimately 'went well for all of us, but especially for him.' 'I think the Phenomenon Maurits Acosta will continue to grow and expand.' Sergio Acosta said. 'I wait for it with curiosity. After all, he's only 18 years old.' He's already primed the next generation of Miami-Dade changemakers. At Virtuem Populo, the executive director-elect is Clint John Jr., a bespectacled, bowtie-wearing eighth grader got involved two years ago after cold-messaging Acosta. Within months, he was assistant deputy director. 'He saw something in me that I didn't see myself,' John said. 'To bring me into the organization — that right there was a changemaker for me.' Just like he brought John into the fold, Acosta has spent much of high school pushing his peers to take themselves seriously and take action. His message has been consistent: don't wait for permission — do the work. That spirit was on full display Tuesday night, when Acosta delivered his valedictorian speech at Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School's graduation ceremony. Speaking to an audience of hundreds at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center at FIU, told his peers that they had 'proved to the world that greatness doesn't require privilege, only purpose.' 'We are students who speak Spanish in the hallway and dream of a better tomorrow,' Acosta said. 'We are the children of field workers, teachers, mechanics, nurses, undocumented laborers and silent heroes. And somehow, despite everything, we made it.' Do you know an unsung hero in South Florida? Nominate them in the form below. If you can't see the form, click here to fill it out.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
He changed laws and inspired youth. Now, this Miami Lakes grad is Harvard-bound
Former Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid still remembers the first time he met Maurits Acosta. He was a seventh grader with a pitch to prevent street flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Eta. Cid told him to put it in writing. A week later, it landed in his inbox. Acosta organized support, presented before the town council, and defended the proposal at multiple hearings. It passed — modifying a 17-year-old ordinance which, according to Cid, has benefited dozens if not hundreds of households since its revision. 'Nobody questioned it until a seventh-grader said, 'We can do better,'' Cid said. 'That's civic leadership.' That same kid just graduated Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School on Tuesday and is now Boston-bound. He was accepted at Yale University, but he decided he wants to head to Harvard, a testimony to the dedication of a student who made it his mission to show others the importance of being civically engaged. He's the pride of a community that just got out of his way and let him lead — even giving him an office inside his high school as a command center for his many projects and initiatives. At 18, Acosta's resumé is staggering: he served a one-year term as student advisor to the School Board of Miami-Dade County, served in multiple public service roles for the Town of Miami Lakes, and in 2022 launched a nonprofit, Virtuem Populo, dedicated to promoting civic engagement among youth across Florida. His alma mater, Miami Lakes Middle School, even named an award after him. ('He's a legend here,' said Miami Lakes Middle social studies teacher Lisa Deyarza, who helped Acosta organize the anti-flooding ordinance initiative.) Acosta worked on dozens of local initiatives and advised the mayor himself. Cid said Acosta's journey 'deserves a movie at some point,' and also offers a blueprint: Start in the classroom, expand to the school, then the community, county, and eventually the country. 'Not a talker, a doer' Born and raised in the Netherlands by his Cuban-born parents, Acosta moved to the U.S. at age 9. In the years since, he's woven himself into the civic fabric of Miami Lakes, driven by a blend of pride in his heritage and democratic idealism. A visit to Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School with Acosta quickly becomes a walk through his legacy. Ashwan Lawson, a security guard, greets him at the front desk with a laugh and a nickname: 'Marco Rubio!' The school has benefited from Acosta's ambition. Social studies teacher Rukayat Adebisi, who heads HML's legal studies program, first heard from Acosta in summer 2021 — weeks before he'd even started freshman year. Over the phone, he pitched her a vision: build the school its first-ever courtroom, a feature other schools had but HML lacked. 'He's telling me all his plans and I kept thinking, 'who is this kid telling me what we're about to do?'' Adebisi said. 'But I listened. I was like, 'Okay, we'll see where this goes.'' Once enrolled, Acosta successfully rallied a team of students to lobby the Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board and other entities, securing funding for the project along with a renovation of the school's planetarium. On Friday, four years later, the school is cutting the ribbon on its new courtroom. 'He's not a talker; he's a doer,' said Adebisi, who also serves on Virtuem Populo's board of directors. 'I think he challenges his peers to be better versions of themselves. I think that's his legacy.' Acosta's other feats at HML include starting a foodie club and launching the school's first-ever alumni association, which had its kickoff event earlier this month with over 100 in attendance, according to Acosta. 'Not to toot my own horn — but I feel like a lot of the work I've done, I've been able to bring up others with me,' Acosta said. By senior year, Acosta had three internship periods built into his schedule — time used for civic meetings, community events, and duties from his school board advisory role. Inside his office, which is nestled within the school's front office, walls are adorned with memorabilia: a proclamation from Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, framed photos with U.S. Senator Rick Scott and President Joe Biden and a Harvard tumbler beside a business cardholder. Among the keepsakes is a class assignment from a fellow Miami Lakes Middle School alum, declaring her dream: to become 'the next Maurits.' Acosta says his free time is limited — 'not a lot, but just enough.' He recently picked up golf ('not great at it,' he admits), and plans a summer trip to Nicaragua to meet the family of his girlfriend, Melany Alvarez, who's heading to Florida State University to study sociology. She preceded him as student body president and captained the dance team at HML. Are they HML's power couple? 'I think so, yeah. A little bit,' Acosta said. 'Greatness doesn't require privilege, only purpose' Acosta, who leaves for Boston in August, is unsure about where exactly his career path is headed. He's still considering whether he wants to study law or government at Harvard, but he said he's sure of one thing: 'I want to live a life dedicated to public service.' Asked about whether his name would one day appear on a Florida ballot, Acosta said 'maybe.' 'I definitely envision myself one day coming back to Miami and serving this community that's opened its doors to me and my family,' he said. Acosta's passion for public service is rooted, in part, by a sense of responsibility stemming from his family's experiences living in Cuba. Although his parents, Sergio and Anet, left Cuba decades ago, Acosta still has family in the country. His parents met in the Netherlands in the late 1990s, when his father was working as a radio journalist and producer. When his employer, Radio Netherlands, faced federal funding cuts, the family made the decision to move to U.S. The hardest part of emigrating was convincing the then 9-year-old Maurits, his father said, but the move ultimately 'went well for all of us, but especially for him.' 'I think the Phenomenon Maurits Acosta will continue to grow and expand.' Sergio Acosta said. 'I wait for it with curiosity. After all, he's only 18 years old.' He's already primed the next generation of Miami-Dade changemakers. At Virtuem Populo, the executive director-elect is Clint John Jr., a bespectacled, bowtie-wearing eighth grader got involved two years ago after cold-messaging Acosta. Within months, he was assistant deputy director. 'He saw something in me that I didn't see myself,' John said. 'To bring me into the organization — that right there was a changemaker for me.' Just like he brought John into the fold, Acosta has spent much of high school pushing his peers to take themselves seriously and take action. His message has been consistent: don't wait for permission — do the work. That spirit was on full display Tuesday night, when Acosta delivered his valedictorian speech at Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School's graduation ceremony. Speaking to an audience of hundreds at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center at FIU, told his peers that they had 'proved to the world that greatness doesn't require privilege, only purpose.' 'We are students who speak Spanish in the hallway and dream of a better tomorrow,' Acosta said. 'We are the children of field workers, teachers, mechanics, nurses, undocumented laborers and silent heroes. And somehow, despite everything, we made it.' Do you know an unsung hero in South Florida? Nominate them in the form below. If you can't see the form, click here to fill it out.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy Collab Has A Card For Every Cid (With One Exception)
I don't go here (Magic: The Gathering, that is), but I'm obsessed with the new MTG and Final Fantasy collaboration. I swore off trading card games when I realized how much money people dump into cracking packs, but I can still appreciate some good Final Fantasy art when I see it. Something I also appreciate is a good bit, and the Magic x Final Fantasy collab handled one of the series' long-running constants in a truly clever way that even I, someone who doesn't understand the ruleset of the card game, can appreciate. I'm talking about Cid, a recurring name given to different characters in each mainline Final Fantasy. For those who don't play Square Enix's RPG anthology series, every Final Fantasy has a character named Cid (though he doesn't appear physically in the first game, thus he isn't featured in the Magic collab), but it's never the same guy twice. If you were to line up every version of Cid next to each other, you'd probably have no idea any of them were related in any way. But they all share the same name, and some of them are among the most beloved characters in the series. Final Fantasy XVI's iteration was easily the breakout star of the RPG in 2023, and Final Fantasy VII's Cid is a personal favorite of mine across the series' long history. So, how do you handle 15 disparate characters who only share a name and (usually) some mechanical skill? You make a card for each of them, of course. Magic: The Gathering will include 15 different cards titled 'Cid, Timeless Artificer.' Each card has the same in-game function, so there's no favoritism on display here, even for more popular Cids. You can have any number of them in your deck, so you could have several variations to use in a game rather than having to pick your favorite. However, there is one wrinkle in all of this worth mentioning: Final Fantasy XV's Cindy (Cidney in some territories) is nowhere to be seen. This omission recalls some weird semantic debates over who the true 'Cid' of the 15th game is, as there is indeed a character named Cid in it and he has a card in this set, but his granddaughter Cindy is the mechanic the team interfaces with most of the time. The character spurred strong and sometimes divided opinions among players in 2016, as she was the first female Cid in the series, while also appearing in one of the most notably male-centric Final Fantasy games (for good and ill) and wearing a revealing outfit that was controversial, to say the least. She may get a card down the line, but she wasn't part of the initial Cid showcase. You can click through to see the other 15 cards. The Magic x Final Fantasy set will hit store shelves on June 13. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Business Upturn
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Is ‘The Eminence in Shadow' returning for season 3: Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on May 6, 2025, 20:10 IST The Eminence in Shadow has captivated anime fans with its unique blend of isekai, dark fantasy, and comedy. Following the intense finale of Season 2 in December 2023, anticipation is running high for what's next. In this article, we'll dive into the chances of a Season 3, speculate on its release date and uncover potential plot developments, covering everything we know so far. Has The Eminence in Shadow Season 3 Been Confirmed? As of May 2025, no official announcement has been made regarding the production of The Eminence in Shadow Season 3 . However, the series' popularity and the availability of source material make a third season highly likely. Potential Release Date for The Eminence in Shadow Season 3 Since The Eminence in Shadow Season 3 hasn't been greenlit, predicting an exact release date is challenging. However, based on the production timeline of previous seasons and industry speculation, fans can expect a potential release in late 2025 or early 2026. What Will The Eminence in Shadow Season 3 Be About? The Eminence in Shadow follows Cid Kagenou, a boy reincarnated into a magical world where he poses as an unremarkable student while secretly leading Shadow Garden, a powerful organization fighting a sinister cult. Season 2 ended with a major cliffhanger: Cid, also known as Shadow, returns to a post-apocalyptic Earth, specifically modern-day Japan, reuniting with his childhood friend Akane Nishino. If Season 3 gets the green light, it will likely adapt Volume 5 of the light novel, bringing exciting developments for fans. The story may follow Cid as he finds himself navigating modern Japan, using his magical abilities to confront supernatural threats in an urban environment. At the same time, Rose Oriana's journey could take center stage as she rises to power in the Oriana Kingdom, strengthening her ties with Shadow Garden. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Midgar faces imminent collapse, setting the stage for Cid to once again step in and change the course of events. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump Doesn't Rule Out a Recession This Year — What Could That Mean for Your Wallet?
President Donald Trump made headlines in March by stating that he wouldn't rule out the possibility of a recession. The Dow Jones Industrial initially reacted to his comment by dropping nearly 900 points (about 2%). Find Out: Read Next: Beyond Wall Street's reaction, let's examine what the prospect of a recession mean for everyday Americans — and more importantly, their wallets? One of the biggest concerns with a potential recession is its impact on the job market. Melissa Cid, a consumer savings expert at and a mother of four, warned that this could affect employment and force tighter budgeting. 'If a recession hits, many businesses will need to cut costs, which will lead to layoffs and a shrinking job market,' Cid said. 'That means families may have to stretch their budgets even further as income becomes less stable.' While employment rates remain strong for the most part, though more than 10,000 federal jobs have been cut, and another 21,000 or more probationary jobs rescinded or cut, economic downturns can bring significant job losses, making it crucial to have a financial safety net in place. Learn More: Though inflation has eased slightly, prices for everyday essentials remain high. Cid stressed that budgeting for groceries and other necessities, which has already become a priority for many families, would become even more important if a recession hits. She said this is already manifesting in one specific way: 'There is new interest in an old savings hobby — couponing!' Cid said. 'I'm starting to see a resurgence in response to the rising cost of groceries and services. Couponing is the easiest it's ever been since you can do it right from your phone. Small savings can really add up by using coupons at the grocery store, comparative shopping and utilizing rebate apps like Ibotta and Fetch.' She also recommended shopping at supermarkets known for their low prices, like Aldi, and taking advantage of restaurant loyalty programs to cut dining costs. A recession impacts Americans differently depending on income levels. Aaron Razon, a personal finance expert at Coupon Snake, noted that it's middle- and lower-income households that tend to bear the brunt of economic downturns. 'If the U.S. enters a recession this year, two of the biggest financial impacts the average American should be worried about are the cost of living and limited economic opportunities,' Razon said. Unlike inflation, where prices rise but income often remains the same, a recession can bring reduced income, job losses and limited access to credit, he pointed out, all of which make it even harder to afford everyday essentials like groceries, gas and housing. For those already struggling, a recession raises the chances of increased debt, food insecurity and even housing instability. Even though a recession isn't guaranteed, financial experts recommend taking proactive steps to strengthen your financial position. Razon advised consumers to focus on financial flexibility by: Developing new skills to improve employability Diversifying income streams Maintaining a strong credit score to ensure access to affordable credit Managing debt effectively Optimizing investments Building an emergency fund with at least three to six months of living expenses 'The number one lesson consumers can take from past recessions is the importance of having a safety net in the form of an emergency fund,' Razon said. Another key aspect to watch if a recession hits is how the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates. A recession could lead to either lower or higher interest rates. 'Lower rates could mean reduced debt burdens and lower monthly payments,' Razon said. 'On the other hand, higher rates could result in increased debt burdens and reduced affordability, particularly for those carrying credit card debt, mortgages and personal loans.' For homeowners, a recession-induced rate drop could present an opportunity to refinance at lower rates. For savers, however, lower interest rates might mean reduced returns on high-yield savings accounts and CDs. While recessions bring financial hardship, they can also present opportunities for those who are prepared. As Razon pointed out, lower stock prices during a downturn may create investment opportunities for those with financial stability. 'Unless consumers have maintained stability in their finances, have built an emergency fund and are informed on economic trends, they won't be able to leverage these opportunities,' Razon said. While Trump's statement about a possible recession has sparked concern, the best response is to take proactive steps to protect your finances. Whether it's tightening your budget, increasing your savings or diversifying your income, preparing now can help you weather economic uncertainty should a downturn occur. Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates 6 Used Luxury SUVs That Are a Good Investment for Retirees How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region 7 Overpriced Grocery Items Frugal People Should Quit Buying in 2025 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines This article originally appeared on Trump Doesn't Rule Out a Recession This Year — What Could That Mean for Your Wallet?
