Submit your photo and tell us about your experience at Southern.
Alyssa Reyes
English
Favorite Time at SCSU
Meeting all of my friends!
What are you going to miss the most, and what are you looking forward to the most?
I’m going to miss having meaningful conversations with my friends in my English classes and in the common room!
Advice to Incoming Students
Do what you’re passionate about and the rest will follow.
Aniya Reyes
Psychology
Advice to Incoming Students
Stay the course, there is light at the end of every tunnel.
Melanie Rodriguez Peña
Economics
Presidential Student Ambassador (?)
Favorite Time at SCSU
Working for the presidents office, it has been a true honor. George, Jessica, Dr. D, JR, you have forever changed my life and me as a person. Thank you for taking me under your wing and giving me an opportunity to serve SCSU.
What are you going to miss the most, and what are you looking forward to the most?
I’m gonna miss knowing that theres always someone there for me. Not in a selfish way, just knowing someone genuinely cares about your future and your success. It means a lot to me, and I am so grateful for everything I’ve learned at this university.
Advice to Incoming Students
When I was in your position I could have sworn that hope breeds eternal misery. At the end of the line you learn hope breeds a future. Have hope. Hold on to it.
Christopher Rosario
Marketing
Magna Cum Laude, Presidents List, Deans List, Marketing Excellence Award
Favorite Time at SCSU
One of my favorite experiences at SCSU was traveling to Chile through the COIL program. It gave me the chance to explore a culture I knew very little about and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I learned so much about what it truly takes to succeed in the marketing world. It also allowed me to reconnect with my roots and improve my Spanish, which was a bonus. The people I met and the connections I made were unforgettable, and I truly believe it was a blessing from God to be part of something so meaningful.
What are you going to miss the most, and what are you looking forward to the most?
What I’ll miss most is the sense of community and the routine of coming to campus. I loved taking the train in and spending time with friends between classes. One of the biggest blessings was being able to worship with the La Fe Bible study group during the Spring 2025 semester. That experience truly became the highlight of my campus life and made me feel grounded in both faith and fellowship. The School of Business also became one of my favorite places to study, and I definitely plan to visit as an alum one day—hopefully to give a PEP talk and inspire others the way I was inspired. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23
Advice to Incoming Students
Trust the process and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Give yourself grace—things won’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay. You’ll face hurdles along the way, but stay focused and determined. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, hold you accountable, and gently help you stay on track.
