Submit your photo and tell us about your experience at Southern.
Skye Gardiner
Special Education
Summa Cum Laude honors
Favorite Time at SCSU
Making new friends in my major
What are you going to miss the most, and what are you looking forward to the most?
I’m going to miss some of my friends and professors, but I’m excited to get a teaching job
Advice to Incoming Students
Utilize the supports that the school and your friends provide to help you succeed
Susan Garlington
Sociology
Ingrid Washinawatok El-Issa Service Award, Top Scholar B.A. Sociology, Departmental Honors in Sociology, Outstanding Women's and Gender Studies Student, Joseph K. Polka Endowed Scholarship, Summa Cum Laude
Favorite Time at SCSU
Accomplishing the goals I set for myself with the help of my mentor Dr. Cassi Meyerhoffer. I had so much encouragement throughout my time here. Thank you to all my professors, especially Drs. Tricia Lin and Rosalyn Amenta.
What are you going to miss the most, and what are you looking forward to the most?
The relationships I cultivated here are going to last forever, but I'm going to miss hanging out with Saraiya Mack, Crossby Dessalines and Zhoey Blanc so much. I'm most looking forward to starting my grad school career at Georgia State University, warning my PhD, and hopefully retiring to Southern to inspire other students the way my mentors have inspired me
Advice to Incoming Students
Be vulnerable. Open yourself up to new experiences because you never know what you will discover about yourself.
Konny Garzon Yumbla
Sociology
Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut, INC Scholarship (2024), President’s List (Fall 2025), Dean’s List (Spring 2025)
Favorite Time at SCSU
My favorite part of my time at SCSU was the experiences and opportunities that helped me grow both personally and academically. I enjoyed meeting new people, building friendships, getting involved in activities and internships, and creating memories along the way. Beyond the classes, it was the connections and experiences that made my time at SCSU meaningful and unforgettable.
What are you going to miss the most, and what are you looking forward to the most?
What I am going to miss the most is the people, memories, and experiences I shared throughout college. From classmates and professors to campus events and everyday moments, those connections made the journey meaningful. What I am looking forward to the most is starting a new chapter, pursuing new opportunities, and applying everything I learned toward my future goals and career.
Advice to Incoming Students
My advice to incoming students is to step out of your comfort zone, get involved, and take advantage of opportunities. Stay organized, manage your time well, and do not be afraid to ask for help when needed. Most importantly, believe in yourself and remember that you do not have to have everything figured out right away—growth takes time.
Miah Green
Journalism
CT SPJ 2025 Excellence in Journalism
Favorite Time at SCSU
every single Afro Gala!! Nothing like a night where you can enjoy the surroundings of peace, confidence, and laughter and fun with your friends:)
What are you going to miss the most, and what are you looking forward to the most?
What I am going to miss most is the kindness and guidance from my professors who helped me make it happen. What I look forward to the most, is utilizing the skills I’ve developed from that guidance, as well as my mistakes, for me to become successful in my career.
Advice to Incoming Students
NEVER be afraid to ask questions or speak up about any troubles you have!! There is never a question that is not important or too stupid to ask. Let your professors and friends along your journey help you!
