Southern Campus Graduation Recognition Ceremony

What inspired you to choose your major?
I really love helping people and I grew up with a family who was in the medical field, and I always aspired to be like them and to be able to help and make a difference in others' lives.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work at KDMC on the Internal Medical Unit.

How has your experience at OHIO Southern shaped your goals and aspirations?
My experience at Ohio University has strengthened my clinical skills, confidence, and passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based care. It has inspired me to pursue a career as an inpatient nurse while continuing to grow and advance within the nursing profession.

What is your favorite memory from your time at OHIO Southern?
My favorite memory from my time at Ohio University has been my clinical rotation, where I was able to apply what I learned in the classroom to real patient care. Those moments connecting with patients and seeing my growth as a future nurse have been most meaningful and rewarding.

Who has been the most influential person during your studies, and how have they impacted you?
The most influential people during my studies at Ohio University have been my family, who have supported and encouraged me every step of the way. Their constant motivation and belief in me have helped me stay focused, overcome challenges, and remain determined to achieve my goals in nursing.

What challenges have you overcome to reach this milestone, and what did you learn from them?
One of the biggest challenges I've overcome during my time at Ohio University has been balancing the demands of rigorous coursework, clinical rotations, and personal responsibilities. Through this, I learned the importance of time management, resilience, and asking for support when needed.

What advice would you give to incoming OHIO Southern students?
Stay organized, ask questions, and take advantage of every single learning opportunity, especially during clinical experiences. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, because those moments will help you grow both personally and professionally. And most of all believe in yourself and know that you can do whatever you set your mind to!

What does being an OHIO Southern graduate mean to you?
Being a graduate of Ohio University means taking pride in the hard work, dedication, and growth it took to reach this milestone in my life. It represents my commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care and continuing to grow as a nurse while making a positive impact on others.

What inspired you to choose your major?
I have chosen this particular career path, after avoiding it for years, for multiple reasons. One reason being that I love people, I love the planet, I love. I am made of it from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Another reason is because I am ambitious, and I enjoy variety, so this career path gives me unlimited room to grow as a person, change the world as much as I can, destroy harmful systems when needed, create helpful ideas and solutions, and maintain a consistent professional path while exercising my many talents, passions, and curiosities. One reason I would like to share is something I think I may have read on social media: "When I'm washing feet, my hands stop shaking." The reason I avoided social work for so long is because I am very sensitive, a "bleeding heart," and I know sadness like an old friend. I thought if I were to be a social worker that I couldn't handle it, that it would be too much to take. That I would care so much, so deeply, that it would destroy me.
But a few years ago, I realized several things. That I have already been destroyed many times in my life. But that I always come back wiser, softer, and sharper. Feeling great, intense grief and sadness in my life is just a part of having capacity for great love. Then I realized I was already doing it. I haven't done much "official" volunteer work, but my whole life has been this beautiful collage of helping and being helped. I've experienced a lot in my thirty-one years, been around a lot of different people, seen a lot of beauty, and also seen some of the worst things that could ever be. I am passionate about helping. We need each other. I want to protect vulnerable and oppressed populations, I want to support other social workers, I want to research, fight for equal rights and for everyone to have food, shelter, safety. I want to be a jack of all trades, a wealth of resources, connections and ideas. "When I'm washing feet, my hands stop shaking." That means that sometimes I can't take it. Sometimes everything seems so hard and so bad and I feel hopeless. But when I am helping, when I'm trying, I steady.

What are your plans after graduation?
I am an opportunist in a way, I suppose, and I stumble upon opportunities a lot. Usually due to my urge to talk to everyone, anyone, anytime. I have an ever-growing list of wonderful, helpful, inspiring potential endeavors in mind. Social Work is a versatile field. Anyone who wants to help can find a place. All you have to do is find your niche! I love my profession at every level, micro, mezzo and macro. Ideally, I will end up with my hands in all three, in some way, at some point. I aspire to shine in any role I fulfill and to use my strengths, such as my creativity, my extraverted personality, easily finding and bringing out strengths in others and my way with connecting people. I have a few things in the works, but nothing is set in stone as of this moment. No worries, though, I am sure you'll see me around.

How has your experience at OHIO Southern shaped your goals and aspirations?
My experience has shaped me via the connections with my peers, my professors and the clients and professionals I have had the pleasure to work with in my practicum placement. It has shaped me by furthering my knowledge of relevant topics, fueling my passion, and opening up more connections with other students and professionals who have that same passion for helping and learning. I feel like everyone says the final semester of your bachelor's is the one that almost kills ya. They weren't kidding, but this has also shown me that there is nothing I cannot overcome, go around, flow with. My resilience has reached an all-time high.

What is your favorite memory from your time at OHIO Southern?
My favorite memory has to be goofing around with my peers. Sometimes, having some laughs is essential for morale. Our group chat is something I hope we can keep active even as we graduate and part ways. I am so proud of my fellow soon-to-be graduates, they have worked hard to get here. We all have, and we have much to offer ourselves, our friends and families, the community, the world.

Who has been the most influential person during your studies, and how have they impacted you?
Dr. Abraham. He is so smart, and so curious, and so very kind. Discussions in his class were always such a highlight and he really enjoyed diving deep into topics with us. He is a great example of having a body that is aged, but a mind that continues to learn, imagine, grow and inspire. I had the chance to be a team lead at NASW Advocacy Day this year, meeting with legislature. My team was absolutely fantastic, and I think we did well. Some I knew, most I did not, but I think I did a good job of bringing everyone into the discussion, making sure everyone had a chance to share their valuable input and organizing the information we needed to present. When we were done, I think I may have seen that Santa Claus twinkle in Dr. Abraham's eye. That twinkle he gets when he's feeling riled up about social work. I hope I didn't imagine it, because I would be very happy if watching our team do our thing caused it.

What challenges have you overcome to reach this milestone, and what did you learn from them?
The challenges I have faced have been intense and plentiful. When I was a teenager, my friend's mom told me about the idea of souls choosing their path before they ever get here, and that I may have chosen a hard path for a reason. Whether that is something you believe, or I believe, or not, to me, that says maybe, deep down, I like a challenge. Maybe not in the moment, definitely not in the moment, but after the dust settles, I find that I have grown. My story is vibrant. I am an open book, so I would be happy to share details in some other situation, but it is too much to try and summarize here. I have learned many lessons, and do not intend to stop learning, but I might say the most important thing I have learned is the art of letting go. Not giving up. Letting go.

What advice would you give to incoming OHIO Southern students?
Don't forget about today. If you feel like you're drowning and the problems are too much, too many, too fast, remember yourself, remember mud puddles, hobbies that are only to be enjoyed, the breeze outside and how it feels on your skin. Today, the world is heavy and I guess there is a war now, but I woke up and decided to find a four-leaf clover for this pretty girl I like and throughout the morning found a whole handful that are now waiting for the class day to end in a plastic water bottle so they don't wilt.

What does being an OHIO Southern graduate mean to you?
Being an OHIO graduate means being a small part of lifting up Appalachians out of poverty and contributing to the challenging of stereotypes about people here. It means doing what I can to make higher education something that is no longer unheard of in my family. It means bringing language of hope, possibility and confidence into conversations in my community, with clients, with kids, with my friends and family.

What inspired you to choose your major?
My mom, who is also a nurse. While growing up I watched her helping people and knew I wanted to do the same.

What are your plans after graduation?
I have accepted a full-time position in the ICU at King's Daughters Hospital.

How has your experience at OHIO Southern shaped your goals and aspirations?
I have gained so much confidence with clinicals and knowledge going through the OU program and made great friendships along the way.

What is your favorite memory from your time at OHIO Southern?
Experiencing clinicals with my cohort.

What advice would you give to incoming OHIO Southern students?
Don't be shy to ask questions and make friends! These are the best years!

What inspired you to choose your major?
I had a difficult time deciding which major I wanted to pursue during high school. At first, I chose nursing, but I quickly realized it wasn't the right fit for me. I've always had a strong interest in mental health, but I wasn't sure what career path would best match that passion. During my junior and senior years, I had the opportunity to talk with a social worker, and the more I learned about the field, the more it felt right for me. Social work has opened the door to many different experiences and perspectives that I don't think I would have gained otherwise, and it ultimately led me to where I am today.

What are your plans after graduation?
My current plan is to pursue a role at Stepping Stones through The Counseling Center, a program that supports mothers and pregnant women during substance use treatment, as it aligns closely with my passion for working in mental health and supporting women and mothers during vulnerable stages of life. As I continue building my career, I plan to enroll in a Master's program in social work to further develop my clinical skills and expand my knowledge, followed by obtaining my Licensed Independent Social Worker credential to practice more independently. My long-term goal is to create a resource for women experiencing Postpartum Depression, as there is a clear gap in education and support for this population in my surrounding communities, and I want to help provide accessible resources, increase awareness, and support women and mothers who may be struggling in silence while navigating both recovery and motherhood. Overall, my career path is centered around advocacy, education, and meaningful support for women and mothers in my community.

How has your experience at OHIO Southern shaped your goals and aspirations?
My experience at Ohio University has played a major role in shaping both my goals and my aspirations. Coming into college, I was unsure of exactly what path I wanted to take, but through my time in the social work program, I have gained clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose. Through my coursework, I have developed a deeper understanding of mental health, addiction, and the importance of meeting people where they are. These classes challenged me to think critically and see situations from multiple perspectives, which has strengthened my desire to work in the mental health field. My field placement experience has been the most impactful part of my journey. Working in a real-world setting allowed me to apply what I have learned in the classroom to actual client interactions. It helped me build confidence in my communication skills, learn how to support individuals in recovery, and understand the importance of empathy, patience, and consistency in this work. Being in that environment confirmed that I am on the right path and showed me the kind of social worker I want to become. Because of these experiences, my goals have become more focused. I aspire to continue working in mental health and substance use services, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families. I am especially passionate about supporting vulnerable populations and helping people navigate challenges with dignity and support. Overall, my time at OHIO Southern has not only prepared me academically, but it has also helped shape who I am personally and professionally. It has given me the tools, experiences, and confidence to move forward in my career with purpose.

What is your favorite memory from your time at OHIO Southern?
Some of my favorite memories include the majority of my social work courses at Ohio University Southern. Our graduating class is a very special group, as we are open, honest, supportive, and truly care for one another. We have shared many laughs and meaningful conversations that made even the most challenging moments feel manageable. It has meant a lot to be surrounded by people who truly understand, who are willing to push you to grow while also supporting you along the way. My peers are one of a kind, and with how close knit we have become, I am confident we will stay connected moving forward.

Who has been the most influential person during your studies, and how have they impacted you?
Dr. Abraham has been a consistent source of academic support for me from my senior year of high school through my senior year of college. He has always been a listening ear and is willing to help in any way he can, making him not only a great professor but also a meaningful mentor. When I had my son halfway through my sophomore year, he was incredibly accommodating and understanding of my situation, which made a lasting impact on me. He has always recognized my passion for postpartum mental health and continues to push and encourage me in my future goals. There is truly no one like him, and as he often reminds me, it will all be alright.

What challenges have you overcome to reach this milestone, and what did you learn from them?
Reaching this milestone has come with several personal challenges, including struggles with my mental health, life stressors, and experiencing Postpartum Depression and postpartum anxiety after having my son during my sophomore year. Balancing school, motherhood, and my own well-being was not easy, and there were times when I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how I would continue forward. However, those experiences pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. I learned the importance of asking for help, leaning on support systems, and giving myself grace during difficult seasons. These challenges also strengthened my resilience and deepened my empathy for others who are struggling, especially women and mothers navigating similar experiences. Overall, what I have been through has not only shaped my personal strength but has also reinforced my passion for social work and my commitment to supporting others through their own challenges.

What advice would you give to incoming OHIO Southern students?
Take the leap of faith. Join the club, take the opportunity you least expect, learn new perspectives, take the trip, study with friends, and do everything you can to make the absolute most out of your academic experience. There is nothing like surrounding yourself with people who support you and make you feel appreciated. You never know what could come from something unless you try, so take initiative and make your experience your own.

What does being an OHIO Southern graduate mean to you?
Being an OHIO graduate from Ohio University means being part of a strong and supportive community that stays connected long after graduation. It represents more than just earning a degree, it reflects the relationships built, the experiences shared, and the growth that happened along the way. To me, it means being surrounded by people who uplift one another, challenge each other to grow, and continue to support each other even beyond college. It is a connection that does not end here, but something that carries forward into my career and life.

Why did you choose OHIO Southern?
I chose Ohio University Southern because it was close to home and offered so many great scholarships! I was able to obtain my Bachelor's degree all while working full time and being fully committed to my education!

What are your favorite OHIO Southern memories?
Not a specific memory, but I will always remember how close I was to my professors and classmates! I never dreaded going to class because they made it so enjoyable. I am forever grateful for the education and friendships Southern has brought me!

What advice would you give to incoming OHIO Southern students?
My biggest piece of advice would be that it goes by a lot quicker than you would think, so soak it in and make connections with friends and faculty!