Congratulations Class of 2021!! You did it!

Tue, 18 May 2021 23:55:23 -0400

Congratulations to all our First-Generation College Student Graduates!
In honor of May graduation, we'd like to introduce a few of our first-gen grads, in their own words:

Jacob Eya - B.A. in Sociology

It's a great pleasure to be part of UMBC college student to complete my degree. Atouba Pauline, my mother, Chelsea Moyer SW program coordinator and Latoya, Brown have supported me in completing my degree.

Post-Grad Plans: School of Social Work or job position.

Maria Isabel Ruiz - Psychology and Social Work

I feel blessed to be able to earn my bachelor degree and have the possibility to pursue higher education because I deeply believe that wha it is learned, no one can take away from you.

Post-Grad Plans: accepted at UMD for School Counseling Master program.

Miglanche Ghomsi Nono - B.A. in Biological Sciences, Minor in EHS

It means I have finally gotten on track. I’ve always found it hard to concentrate and set my mind to accomplish my goals but I knew once I was able to do that, everything else will come on its own. Through UMBC, I was able to kick it off and I’m planning on pushing till the end. Mrs. Samuel supported me in completing my degree.

Post-Grad Plans: Planning on doing an MD/PhD. However will be at NIH for the next 2 years.

Kashif Ali - Information Systems

Allah is the greatest.

Nikkie Steven - Media Communications

It means a lot graduating as a first generation college student. Making my parents proud feels so good. I don't even think it hit me yet. Professor Synder has always been willing to help and open to my questions. I'm very grateful for him.

Post-Grad Plans: I'm not sure exactly what I want to do, I know for sure I want to take a year to myself to really learn and get a much needed me break.

Dekermu S. Nushann - Financial Economics

It's an honor to be graduating from a prestigious college like UMBC. It's a dream come through to start a journey a few years back and complete it before your eyes and loved ones who believed in you along the way. My mom (Catherine Y. Nushann), dad (Josiah Y. Nushann), my wife (Jangar B. Nushann), uncles, and aunties have been my biggest cheerleaders who always supported me and kept me on track. They were always there no matter what the circumstance was.

Post-Grad Plans: I plan on getting a full-time job after graduation.