Watch Katherine's Graduate Spotlight
What are your plans after graduating?
I am enrolling in the 3+1 program Atlantic Cape has with Stockton University to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts.
Why did you choose Atlantic Cape?
Atlantic Cape is known for its communication program. I originally was a General Studies major looking to get into the sciences, but then I met Professor Keith Forrest in my second semester here through a public speaking class. There, I found my love for communication.
What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you?
Attending Atlantic Cape has been the best decision I have made in my life. It gave me the opportunity to get involved and better myself in so many ways. I completely overcame my social anxiety here at Atlantic Cape and I have gained important skills that I will utilize for the rest of my life.
What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with during your time at Atlantic Cape?
I was involved in an overwhelming amount of activities here, but I loved every second of it. I served as editor of the Atlantic Cape Review student newspaper, layout designer for the 2024 Rewrites literary magazine, officer in the Communication Awards Club, officer and actor in the Theater Arts Guild, worked at the Campus Closet, created logos for the Atlantic Cape Review and Theater Arts Guild, and more.
Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them.
I had a bad case of social anxiety going into college. I lived in Georgia for 14 years, I had been bullied and I was homeschooled too. My experiences at Atlantic Cape have allowed me to beat my social anxiety and I now know that I am more capable than I ever thought I was before.
Did you attend classes at Atlantic Cape in-person, online, hybrid or remote?
I attended classes in-person, online, hybrid and remotely.
Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals?
I want to thank Professor Dr. Jennie Field for mentoring us during my time with the Atlantic Cape Review. Professor Jeanine DiNardo for starting the Campus Closet and allowing me to get involved. Thank you to Victor Moreno and Dr. Natalie Devonish. Professor Celine Fleenor for helping me to find joy in theater and believing in me to be a lead in a play. I want to especially thank Professor Forrest for changing my life in the best way possible. He convinced me to change to a communication major and he genuinely cares for his students. Thank you to all of my amazing friends and my “comm family.” And lastly, a thank you to the Atlantic Cape Review newspaper team for working together to create a beautiful newspaper with me.
What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you?
I am extremely proud because it means the beginning of a new, positive future and it has opened so many opportunities for me.