Paulson Tuffet’s parents immigrated to the United States from Haiti with dreams of the opportunities their new life would hold. From an early age his parents instilled in him that he could and would succeed. Paulson attended Coral Gables High School in Miami, a magnet school known for excellence in academics. There he chose to pursue the broad-based International Baccalaureate Program. The co-chair of the English Department described him as a “Renaissance man for the next century,” and another teacher thought him “a young man who will never settle for less than his personal best.”

At Coral Gables, Paulson’s talent for writing and journalism blossomed. He was able to use these talents to advocate for social change. As editor-in-chief of the school’s acclaimed newspaper, Highlights, he is remembered for his insightful commentary. He developed his journalism interests further as an intern for the Associated Press and the Miami Herald.

Always ready to give back, Paulson served as president of the 500 Role Models of Excellence, a mentoring program for African-American young men, president of True Believers, a church group, and president of the Heritage Club, a multicultural group promoting understanding on this diverse campus, where seventy nationalities were represented. This young man’s achievements were duly recognized; the National Science Merit Award, Brown University Book award, Advanced Placement Scholar Award, first place in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Journalism Award.

Now enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, Paulson has served as president and social director of the Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a member of the Dessalines Haitian Student Association, the Black Student League, and the mentoring program. In the University’s “Start on Success Scholarship Program” he is an ethnographer and mentor to local high school students. Paulson intends to major in urban studies and economics. ” I feel honored to serve as an ambassador for Ron Brown’s dreams and aspirations of personal success, excellence and affluence for his race. I will commit myself in life to uphold the honor of being a Ron Brown Scholar.”