Yearbook

Well, aside from learning to navigate online discussion boards like a caffeinated ninja at midnight, I’d say it was the slow, steady, and sometimes hilariously stubborn process of becoming who I am today. This journey took me 25 years. That’s right—twenty-five. When I started, I was a kid pretending to be a grown-up. Now, I’m a grown-up who still sometimes feels like a kid, but one with a purpose, a plan, and a job offer. The version of me that walked into this journey is not the same person walking across the graduation stage—and thank goodness for that. SCSU gave me more than just credits and coursework. It gave me clarity, community, and a reminder that it’s never too late to finish what you started—even if your teenager might graduate right behind you. I’m grateful for every class, every late-night paper, and every professor who helped me see my potential—even when I couldn’t.

What am I going to miss the most? Honestly? The chaos. The deadlines. The weird thrill of turning in an assignment at 11:59 p.m. and feeling like I just defused a bomb. But mostly, I’ll miss the challenge of being surrounded by people who were all chasing something better professors who cared, classmates who showed up, and that quiet little feeling of "I think I’m doing this." What am I looking forward to the most? Wearing actual work pants instead of pajama bottoms during Zoom classes! Just kidding… kind of. I’m looking forward to stepping into my new role as a Special Education teacher & getting DSAP-certified to teach. I can’t wait to bring what I’ve learned into a classroom where I can make real change for real kids. Also, let’s be honest—I’m excited to not have to answer, “So… when are you finishing your degree?” anymore. Spoiler alert: I just did it!

1. Embrace the chaos. College will throw curveballs—assignments, exams, life itself. Don’t panic. You’ll survive (probably). Just remember: some of the best lessons come from the mess. 2.Ask for help. You’re not supposed to know it all. Professors, classmates—everyone’s there to help. Don’t be shy, even if it’s for something you think is “stupid” (spoiler: there’s no such thing). 3.Take care of you. Don’t get lost in assignments. Take breaks, eat snacks, and breathe. College is a marathon, not a sprint. 4. The “real world” can wait. You’ll figure it out. And if you change your major a few times, you’re just doing it right. 5. Find a mentor (or ten). They’ve been there, done that, and have the T-shirt. Lean on them. You’ll be glad you did. 6. And remember, laugh a lot. College is crazy, but if you can look back and laugh, you’ve already won.