Georgia Southern's TRIO SSS 2020 Virtual Yearbook

TRIO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Armstrong, Liberty, and Statesboro Campuses

Virtual Yearbook Spring 2020

Message from the Directors Congratulations Graduates! You've made it to your final destination, GRADUATION! You've reached a pivotal milestone and it has been my pleasure to have had the opportunity to contribute in some way to that achievement! We are so proud of you!

Whether you've been with us one year or the entire length of our grant, we want you to know that you will always be a part of our TRIO family! Keep P.U.S.H.ing! Mrs. Corine AckersonJones, Director (Armstrong)

Message from the Directors Congratulations, graduates! We are so incredibly proud of each and every one of you! Though your journey may have been difficult, you have been able to overcome all of your obstacles and you have made it. I am honored that you all have allowed our program to accompany you on your journey.

Though this chapter might be ending, I am excited for all of the great things that are to come for you. I hope that whenever you think back to this time in your life, you remember that #TRIOWorks and we are always rooting for you!-Miss Leslie Harris, Director (Statesboro)

Timmy Askew Jr. Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, Radiography •

Hometown: Perry, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: “We all have the same 24 hours in a day and its up to you as the individual what you do with it and always live everyday like its your last because tomorrow is not promised.”

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After graduation: I plan to begin a career at Beaufort Memorial while going reserved in the U.S. Air Force.

Alexis Bell Bachelor of Science in Public Health •

Hometown: Thomson, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/scripture: “For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength”. Philippians 4:13

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After graduation: I will be attending Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia to obtain my Master's degree in Public Health to become a Public Health Analyst.

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Dean’s List: Fall ‘19

Lydia Boone Bachelor of Science in Public Health •

Hometown: Augusta, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: My personal mission is to live life to the fullest and be the best I can be. You have to enjoy this life.

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After graduation: I plan to take the (CHES) Certified Health Education Specialist exam and attend graduate school at Georgia Southern University, majoring in Epidemiology in the Fall of 2020.

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Dean’s List: Fall ‘19

Destiney Carlyle Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education •

Hometown: Davisboro, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Plans after graduation: My plan after

graduation is to pursue a degree in Counseling at Georgia Southern with hopes of obtaining a job as a school counselor.

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TRiO’s impact on my college career: TRIO

impacted my college career by having people who are just like me encourage me to push through college! My mentor was the best as she made sure it was her duty to provide the best services to me!

I appreciate the love and support that was shown throughout the years!

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President’s List: Fall ‘19

Ileene Diaz Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences •

Hometown: Hinesville, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” -Colossians 3:17

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After graduation: Prepare to take my board exams to become certified in my field. Enjoy being a newlywed and start a family.

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Dean’s List: Fall ‘19

Shanelle Dillon

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry •

Hometown: McDonough, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: My mission statement that I always tell myself when times are hard is that: God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers and with faith, strength, and love you can conquer anything.

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After graduation: I am taking a gap year or two to work (either laboratory job or teacher) and take a breather from school. In the meantime, I will be studying for the MCAT and apply to medical school. The goal is to be accepted into medical school by August 2022.

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McNair Scholar

Monica Ellis Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy •

Hometown: Eastman, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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Personal mission/vision statement or belief: "For with GOD nothing will be impossible." Luke 1:37

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After graduation: I plan to work at Memorial Health University Medical Center, at the Level 1 trauma center here in Savannah Georgia as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. I also have been accepted into a Masters program and will begin working on my Masters in Healthcare Administration this upcoming Fall 2020.

Monique Ellis King Bachelor of Science in Education, Secondary General Science Education •

Hometown: Eastman, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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Personal mission: It is my mission to live a life full of honesty, integrity, and unconditional love. To never lose sight of what is most important and to make the world a better place through educating the future of America.

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After graduation: After graduation I will be moving to Washington state with my husband and will pursue my career as a secondary science teacher.

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President’s List: Fall ‘19

Tanasia Faison

Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting •

Hometown: Savannah, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Plans after graduation: I plan to attend graduate

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TRiO’s impact on my college career:

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Dean’s List: Fall ‘19

school here at GSU and become a double eagle, while also starting to sit for the CPA exam

TRIO has greatly impacted my college career here at GSU. I've become close to my mentor, Ms. Leslie, other faculty and students. I've progressed over time throughout my college career thanks to the help of Ms. Leslie. The TRIO talks I've attended helped me with the various topics that were talked about. I really enjoyed my time in TRIO here at GSU, as it reminds me of my high school TRIO program, Upward Bound. TRIO is the best and I hope it sticks around for many years to come.

Akalah Favors Bachelor of Science in Sociology •

Hometown: Decatur, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Minor: Women’s Gender Sexuality Studies

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Plans after graduation: Earn Master’s in

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TRiO’s impact on my college career: I

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Dean’s List: Fall ‘19

Social Work/Work in Mental Health Counseling would like to thank TRIO for being that safe space for me when I first came here as a transfer student. I always felt welcome and the only place on campus I felt like I belonged. You all have pushed me and encouraged me to do and be better and to make the most of my experience at GSU. I am very thankful for everything TRIO has done for me and always wanting the best for me.

Kaycia Fennell Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy •

Hometown: Born in Jamaica, migrated to

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief:

Savannah, GA

Anything that comes easily, may not be appreciated as much as the things you work hard for.

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After graduation: I will launch my career as a Respiratory Therapist.

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President’s List: Fall ‘19

Essence Flakes Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy •

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: Build a community based patient education and counseling center.

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After graduation: I have accepted a full time position as a Respiratory Therapist with Emory University Midtown Hospital in Atlanta, GA.

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President’s List: Fall ‘19

Jiliyah Fragher Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies •

Hometown: Sandersville, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Plans after graduation: Attend graduate school

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TRiO’s impact on my college career:

TRIO has impacted my college career in many positive ways. Whenever I needed help or someone to talk to about my classes or even life, they were there. TRIO has also funded me during my college career and I cannot be more thankful. Being in TRIO has kept me on track during my undergraduate semesters.

Benjamin Giraud Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy •

Hometown: Nampa, ID

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: A dream without goals is a wish.

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After graduation: Get my license. Get employed. Make new goals.

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President’s List: Fall ‘19

Pascal Harley Jr. Bachelor of Science in Public Health •

Hometown: Savannah, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: Nothing succeeds like success.

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After graduation: Acquire wealth!

Kristin Harrell Bachelor of Science in Education, Special Education •

Hometown: Rincon, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: "Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." - Rita F. Pierson

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After graduation: I have applied to schools in Effingham County and will be teaching as a Special Education Teacher in a local school.

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President’s List: Fall ‘19

Aisha Hill

Bachelor of Science in Public Health •

Hometown: Tifton, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Plans after graduation: I plan on

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TRiO’s impact on my college career:

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Dean’s List: Fall ‘19

beginning a career in the public health field. I will eventually attend graduate school to complete an MPH degree.

TRIO has acted as a personal pillar for the majority of my college career. The SSS office and participants have been my work/college family. They've seen me at my lowest and at my best. They have supported and encouraged me through it all. I'm very blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of a TRIO program and I'm positive our connection will remain strong for many years to come.

Lavonda Houston Bachelor of Science in Public Health •

Hometown: Riceboro, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Plans after graduation: I would like to

pursue a career in either public health or with the FBI, while obtaining a certificate as a doula and breastfeeding consultant.

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TRiO’s impact on my college career:

TRiO’s impact on my college career: I will miss everyone at SSS. Thank you for all the support.

I love you all.

Demetrius Hurst Jr. Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology •

Hometown: Waycross, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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Personal mission/vision statement:

Serve the underserved! Satisfaction will come from seeing the people, whom I knew as a child in outstanding health. As a physician, I want to work in the rural community of Waycross and start a nonprofit to assist the youth who are interested in medicine reach their destination.

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After graduation:

I plan to take a gap year to study for my MCAT, participate in a summer internship, volunteer, and shadow.

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Dean’s List: Fall ‘19

Tarleshia Jean Pierre Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, Sonography •

Hometown: Kennesaw, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: Despite my mental, physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual obstacles, I strive to better myself in all things that I do, to make myself, my family, and my friends proud.

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After graduation: I will work as a sonographer in the MetroAtlanta area!

Koby Johnson Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance •

Hometown: Ellenwood, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Plans after graduation: I plan to purchase my first investment property after graduation to start my real estate business.

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TRiO’s impact on my college career:

TRIO impacted my college career because thanks to Ms. O'Brien, she helped me to keep on track to graduating and provided assistance with classes from the first day I met her.

Shayna Johnson Bachelor of Science in Journalism •

Hometown: Covington, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Minor: Psychology

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Plans after graduation: My plans after graduation are to look for jobs while looking to be enrolled in an event planning certification program.

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TRiO’s impact on my college career: TRIO has significantly impacted my college career.

SSS has tremendously made my college experience easier and more enjoyable. From financial assistance to informing me of the resources available to me that ultimately allowed me to return to school after having my daughter, SSS has always been a group of people that I can turn to and count on. I am grateful to have joined this program and for the staff within it that have been with me every step I took leading to graduation. I would not have made it this far without them. I will miss them dearly.

Natoria Jones Bachelor of Science in Nursing •

Hometown: Sparta, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: My dream goal was to become a Registered Nurse so that I could promote the well-being in my community! I am proud to say that I have accomplished that goal & will be officially graduating as a Black Nurse!

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After graduation: I plan to become employed as a Registered Nurse after passing the NCLEX.

Nadou Lawson Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Science •

Hometown: Lome, Togo-West Africa

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: God will grant anything without fail, his greatest promise is unconditional love and unlimited potential.

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After graduation: Attend graduate school and secure a job in my field of study.

To TRIO: I thank TRIO so much! I would not have been able to do it without all the staff of TRIO. May God bless you all!

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McNair Scholar

Brandon Lee Bachelor of Business Administration, Management •

Hometown: Orlando, FL

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Campus: Statesboro

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Plans after graduation: Start in the Chickfil-A Leadership Development Program.

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TRiO’s impact on my college career:

TRiO has helped me throughout college by having a mentor to hold me accountable with grades and my goals. Also, my mentor has helped me make sure I’m on track to graduate with class registration and planning a road to success.

Wanda Lyons Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Health Informatics •

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: Follow your dreams and your heart. You are never too old to fulfill your dreams. It was a difficult road but the travel was an amazing journey. I never gave up and it was worth every step that I had to take to get here.

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After graduation: My plan is to work with nursing home administrators. I would like to open computer labs in the nursing homes and teach the seniors computer techniques and skills so that technology for them isn’t so intimidating. I would also like to build a business working in systems and telework with web based companies that build EHRs, PHIs and/or have Telemed/Telehealth services.

Glenda Miller Bachelor of Science in Nursing •

Hometown: Young Harris, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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Personal mission/vision statement: "Be where your feet are. Always be present in the moment."

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After graduation: First, I plan to pass the NCLEX and then get my dream job in a Labor and Delivery unit.

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President’s List: Fall ‘19

Jeremiah Murray Bachelor of Science in Biology •

Hometown: Currently living in Buford, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: "There is never a reason to not try. Always do what you can and the rest will fall into place.“

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After graduation: I plan to move into the workforce to gain experience for graduate school.

Alvin Norris Bachelor of Business Administration, Information Systems •

Hometown: Brunswick, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Plans after graduation: Working in I.T./Tech

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TRiO’s impact on my college career: I

would say in a very family from home type of way. As a whole 10/10 experience I give with 5 stars as extra flavor. Really helped my mental health with college and made friends in the process so yeah, positive impact.

Ricky Perkins Bachelor of Science in Public Health •

Hometown: Statesboro, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: My personal belief is that actions speak louder than words, and sometimes you have to show people that you can and WILL be about the action.

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After graduation: My plans after graduation are to start my internship in the summer and then apply to tech school for a trade or certifications that will go along with my current major.

Kevina Renfroe Bachelor of Health Science •

Hometown: Macon, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: I am determined and motivated to accomplish every goal I set out for myself.

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After graduation: I plan to take care of my son, get a job in a clinical setting while saving my money to start a medical practice (affordable health clinic) for low-income individuals.

Asia Rogers-Lee Bachelor of Arts, Art Studio/Graphic Design •

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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After graduation: I plan on getting a job working as a graphic designer at a company, hopefully CNN (the Cartoon Network division).

Michael Saint-Jean Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology • Hometown: Miami, FL • Campus: Armstrong • Personal mission/vision statement: My personal belief is to "push" and "reach" for the stars so I can maybe help brighten someone's day by giving them a light to follow. I am a firm believer in helping others.

• After graduation: I plan on attending medical school to practice emergency medicine or emergency surgery.

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Dean’s List: Fall ‘19

Raya Scott Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing • Hometown: Oakland, CA • Campus: Statesboro • Minor: Africana Studies

• Plans after graduation: Still deciding.

• TRiO’s impact on my college career:

TRIO has been an amazing pipeline to resources during my college career and has always been there for me no matter what.

Frederick Smith Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics • Hometown: Atlanta, GA

• Campus: Statesboro • Minor: Finance • Plans after graduation: Attend graduate school.

• TRiO’s impact on my college career: Being able to be in TRIO has helped support my motivation to be successful through my college career. My college career grew because of TRIO and I want to say thank you to my counselor Mrs. Penny and the entire TRIO staff. You helped create my college experience that I will remember forever.

Stephen Stubbs Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice and Criminology •

Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

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After graduation: I plan to work for Chatham County Animal Control.

Kristina Sturdivant Bachelor of Science in Nursing •

Hometown: Savannah, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: “If you only believe, you can achieve ANYTHING you set your mind out to accomplish, plus more!” –Me

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After graduation: After graduation, I plan to accept a position as a RN in the Savannah area. My goal is to make a positive difference in the life of the patients I care for using the knowledge, experience and personal growth that I’ve gained at the GSU - Armstrong Campus. I am still undecided about the department I would like to work in at the moment.

Kayla Tittle Bachelor of Science in Education, Early Childhood Education •

Hometown: Atlanta, Ga

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: My primary goal with becoming an educator is to enforce a love for knowledge within young students which will create good habits that will later create a model citizen.

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After graduation: I plan to volunteer with philanthropic organizations to better the wellbeing of others. I aspire to be a Kindergarten teacher; I would like to help children learn by using creative concepts. I plan to acquire techniques that will help children with specific needs.

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Dean’s List: Fall ‘19

Sierra Webber Bachelor of Science in Sociology •

Hometown: Augusta, GA

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Campus: Statesboro

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Plans after graduation: Attending graduate school at Georgia Southern to get M.Ed. in Clinical and Mental Health.

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TRiO’s impact on my college career:

Making sure I was on track and supported me!

Alysia Williams Bachelor of Science in Public Health •

Hometown: Augusta, GA

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Campus: Armstrong

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My personal mission statement/vision statement/belief: "And blessed is she who believed that there would be[a] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 ESV

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After graduation: I plan to complete an internship with Savannah River Site, then start graduate school at Penn State in January 2021.

Graduates Not Pictured • Armstrong – David Dhanraj – Hayley Hodge – Johnny Sumner

• Statesboro – Tariq Brown – Justin Hughes – Sandra Ofosuhemaa

Staff Congratulations

Congratulations TRIO Graduates! You did it! Can't wait to hear great things from you all in the future!-Jessica Simmons, Administrative Assistant (Armstrong) Congratulations on achieving your goals and earning your degree. For many of you, I have had the pleasure of watching you grow and learn and surpass many obstacles that you thought would be impossible to conquer.

You have been such an inspiration to me as I have watched your determination to achieve. You have much to be proud of and I am so very proud of you. Keep dreaming! Keep achieving! Keep inspiring others as you have inspired me. I wish you continued success in achieving all of your goals. You are EAGLE strong! Now go conquer your next adventure. Much love and BIG hugs!! -Penny Hendrix, Success Coach (Statesboro) Congratulations TRIO Graduates on a job well done! Wishing you much success as you begin your new journey!- Andrea Willingham, Retention Specialists (Armstrong)