Yearbook

One of my favorite experiences at SCSU was being actively involved in the campus and local community, where I had the chance to connect with others, make a positive impact, and grow both personally and professionally.

If I could offer any advice to incoming students, it would be to get involved and find that one community on campus that feels like home, it makes all the difference!

It's okay if you're not sure what you want to do in the future, take your time. This isn't a race, so don't be too hard on yourself. You have to be confident in you and believe you can do it. You've made it this far, and that's something to be proud of. Trust yourself and do what feels right for you, not what others think you should do. When I started college, I thought I knew what I wanted, but I ended up changing my major several times and now I am graduating! Explore your interests, ask questions, and seek advice from alumni and professors. Get involved on campus, join clubs, attend events, and connect with others. It's a great way to grow, build your network, and enjoy the experience. Yes, study hard, but don't forget to have fun and live your life. Your college experience is what you make of it, so make the most of it. I'm proud of you. You've come a long way, and you're capable of amazing things! You will do great.

There are 2 things that I will always cherish during my time at SCSU one would be making it to the NCAA tournament with the men’s basketball team during the 2023-2024 season and second would be doing the SCSU chant at graduation with the graduating class

I look forward to attending graduate school at southern pursuing my MBA

Try to do as much as you possibly can when it comes to getting involved you never know who is listening or who is inspired by your story.

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.