Marissa Momchilov '18, M.S. '20

Her plans were set: finish her master’s program in clinical counseling-psychology, walk across the stage and get hooded to celebrate her accomplishments then find a job as a mental health counselor.

COVID-19 had other ideas.

“I’ve gotten really used to Zoom,” said Marissa Momchilov ’18, M.S. ’20, who reflected on her time at Radford University as she wrapped up her final classes online this summer.

“I’m really trying to make the best of it and encourage the people around me, especially the people coming back for the fall semester,” Momchilov said.

Amid the uncertainty of the world around her during a pandemic in her last semester of college, she remained positive, found the silver lining and encouraged fellow students around her to do the same. Instead of dwelling on the challenges, Momchilov spent her last weeks on campus reflecting on her progress and growth as a student.

“I’m so proud to be a Highlander. This school has given me so many opportunities. I’ve made so many great relationships with professors on campus,” she said. “The small class sizes make that possible, because at larger universities it’s harder to make those connections.”

Her journey to becoming a successful Highlander started more than six years before, when she was looking at universities. When she visited Radford University for a Highlander Day experience, she felt comfortable and loved the atmosphere.

“Right when I walked on campus, I was like, this is where I’m supposed to be,” Momchilov said. Through challenges and rewards, she found a connection and community unlike anything before.

She joined Sigma Sigma Sigma, where she met friends and mentors and made a network of connections to help her professionally and academically. She credits professors for checking on her during hardships and celebrating her accomplishments. And, she acknowledges Student Counseling Services for helping her find positive resources and a foundation for her future career after graduation.

“This school has given me more than I could ever say,” Momchilov said. “I cannot thank Radford enough for everything this school has done for me. I’m so proud to be a Highlander just with the diversity on this campus and the different opportunities that I’ve received. It’s so amazing to see how far I’ve come since freshman year.”

Even through a pandemic, Momchilov remains hopeful for a successful career in mental health counseling. She has wrapped up her time as a graduate assistantship, her final internship and her on-campus job with the Office of New Student and Family Programs. Now, she’s confident with a solid foundation for a bright future.

“Radford has made me feel comfortable,” she said. “The environment is so welcoming and open. I think that I was able to reach out to people when I needed help, and I think that is what got me to where I am today.”