Watch Michael's Graduate Spotlight
What are your plans after graduating?
I am going to be attending Stockton University for the Fall 2026 Semester.
Why did you choose Atlantic Cape?
At 30 years of age, I decided that I would finally go to college. One would think that meant I took some time to research what would be the best school for me. As a 30–year–old, full–time worker and new father, I already knew that my options were limited. Of course, I initially thought about Stockton or Rowan universities, but lack of money was also an issue. That is when I came across Atlantic Cape. After doing research online I learned that Atlantic Cape offered plenty of help for students that are from a lower economic status. Being a new dad also meant that I was on a tight schedule. I was able to work at the College and create a class schedule that worked for me. Atlantic Cape is for the everyday person. It is for people that were told that they could never do it. Atlantic Cape has created an environment for everyone to thrive in.
What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you?
Right from the start I told myself to be involved. I started off joining the Student Government Association as the freshmen senator and would eventually become the vice president. I was also given the opportunity to join the marketing team as an intern. This helped me a lot because it was a work-study position, which helped me save a lot of money while attending Atlantic Cape. I was also able to advocate on behalf of the College by going on a trip to Trenton and by telling my story to Senator Vince Polistina. During my last year I was also given the opportunity to join the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community board as its Student Representative. I am also proud to say that I will be the Student Representative for the Board of Trustees in 2026-27.
What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape?
I was involved with Student Government Association, Psi Beta Honor Society, Radio Club, DEIC Board Member and Board of Trustees Student Representative (26-27).
Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them.
Once I got to the age where I started to ask my parents about college, I was consistently told that I would never be able to attend. This was mainly due to the fact that my family was impoverished. As I got older and started to experience the world on my own, I was made aware of federal programs that help people from low socioeconomic backgrounds. So, there I was at 30 thinking to myself, "how can I help my community?" The only answer that I could think of was that I will need to get a college degree. I asked my sister-in-law for help with the application and before I knew it, I was attending orientation at Atlantic Cape that September. Thanks to certain grants like the Federal Pell Grant and the Community College Opportunity Grant I will be graduating May 2026.
Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote?
In-person, hybrid, online and remote.
Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals?
I would like to thank three people: Lisa Givens — Without her guidance I wouldn't be where I am now. She always had me in mind when opportunities to represent Atlantic Cape came up.
Laura Batchelor and the entire Marketing team — When I was asked to be the marketing intern back in 2023, I immediately said, "yes!" It was a new area for me and I was nervous to be around so many professionals. Little did I know that being in this new environment would prove to be very beneficial for me. This is where I learned to become a professional, learned time management and how to become an efficient team member.
Jerome Ingram and all of my brothers in Men of Atlantic Cape (MAC) — For the first two years of my college career, I was asked to join this group. I was not able to because the student government meetings coincided with the MAC meetings. This last year I was able to join. This group has taught me how to hold your team accountable. Every meeting we checked in with one another. We made sure goals were being completed, and if not, we wanted to know how to help.
Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you?
I was able to utilize the Food Pantry and the Community College Opportunity Grant.
What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you?
Graduating from Atlantic Cape means I know what I am capable of accomplishing. I now know that I am worth it. I will always remind myself that when someone tells you that you cannot do something; that I can.
Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them?
Whenever I get the chance, I tell everyone to come to Atlantic Cape. This place is one of a kind. The staff and professors are here for you. They will work with your schedule and do the best they can to motivate you. My advice to potential students is to get involved. Don't be the student that comes to school, goes to class and leaves. Atlantic Cape is a community and there are so many pathways to be part of this awesome community.