2026 Graduate Spotlights

What are your plans after graduating? Following my graduation from Atlantic Cape, I will be attending Rowan University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because I am a part of the NJ STARS program.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape provided me with a high-quality education at an affordable price, but more importantly, it gave me a community where I truly felt a sense of belonging.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? During my time at Atlantic Cape, I was an active member of the Hospitality Club and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. Additionally, I served as a mentor in the College's Peer Mentorship Program, helping fellow students navigate their own academic journeys.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My most challenging semester at Atlantic Cape was also my final one. During Spring 2026, I juggled six classes, work, and leadership roles in PTK, all while preparing for my transition to a university. Despite it being my hardest semester to date, the support of my family, friends, and faculty kept me focused. I’m proud to say I met the challenge head-on, finishing the semester with a phenomenal 4.0 GPA.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, hybrid and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? My family and professors have been the backbone of my success at Atlantic Cape. My family has been my constant support system, offering encouragement during my lowest moments and celebrating with me at my highest. Similarly, my professors have done so much more than just teach — they’ve shared invaluable wisdom, provided guidance, and offered the same unwavering support through every challenge and victory I’ve faced here.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? My main resource on campus was the Library, where I’d stop in to print papers whenever I needed them. As for advising, I kept things streamlined — mostly reaching out to my NJ STARS advisor each semester to confirm my course selections and ensure my funding was applied to my account.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? As I graduate from Atlantic Cape, I’m closing one chapter and opening the next. It’s bittersweet to think I won't be seeing this community four days a week anymore, but I’m looking forward to the future. I’m excited to meet new people and build meaningful connections at my next stop, inspired by the incredible ones I’ve made here.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? For anyone seeking a high-quality education that won't break the bank, Atlantic Cape is the place to be. Beyond the academics, you’ll meet a ton of incredible people throughout the process of earning your associate degree or certificate.

What are your plans after graduating? After graduation, I plan to attend Stockton University and pursue a degree in communications and marketing. I also currently have a marketing internship with an agency where I help manage content and social media for different clients and I hope to continue growing that into a full-time role. I also work with another business where I help run their social media and create content, which I really enjoy. I’m excited to continue building my career in marketing and communications.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because after a difficult health experience I wasn’t ready to go away to college after high school and needed to stay close to home. I was still focusing on my recovery and adjusting to everything I had been through, so a local college felt like the right fit for me. Atlantic Cape ended up being the perfect place for me to start college. It gave me the supportive environment while allowing me to focus on my education and get involved on campus.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape has given me so many opportunities that I’m really grateful for. I’ve built strong relationships with both friends and professors and I’ve had the chance to hold leadership roles on campus. As president of the Atlantic Cape Review, I’ve been able to cover major campus events, conduct interviews, and create social media content and videos. One of the biggest highlights has been covering the Annual Restaurant Gala in Atlantic City for the past three years, which helped me learn so much about journalism, communication and networking. I’ve also been featured at the Writers Colloquium twice, inducted into Psi Beta and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies, and received Communication Awards three years in a row for public speaking, interpersonal communication and my work with the newspaper.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I’ve been very involved during my time at Atlantic Cape. I served as President of the Atlantic Cape Review, where I also managed social media. I’m also the Secretary of Rewrites Literary Magazine and help managed its social media as well. I was involved in the Theatre Arts Guild and performed in “How to Host a Murder Mystery Dinner Party,” which was a really fun experience! I’m also a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. One of my favorite parts of college has been being involved in different campus organizations and growing through leadership roles.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was definitely my brain injury, which I suffered in gymnastics. I spent a year of my life without my vision, which was extremely scary and uncertain. My family and I worked with doctors across the country trying to figure things out and I didn’t know what my future would look like. Starting college came with some challenges. There were times I had to deal with symptoms like headaches or fatigue, but I was fortunate to have supportive professors. It’s something that shaped me, but it doesn’t define me anymore — it’s actually made me stronger and more grateful for where I am now.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank my mom. She has been my biggest support system throughout my entire college journey and everything leading up to it. She has always believed in me, encouraged me and helped me stay focused on my goals. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her constant love and support!

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? Yes, I used the Center for Accessibility during my time at Atlantic Cape. A lot of the time I didn't need it, but knowing that support was available made a big difference.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means a lot to me. It represents growth, change and everything I’ve worked toward over the past few years. When I first started college, I wasn’t sure what direction I was heading in, but Atlantic Cape is a place where I was able to get involved and figure things out. It helped me discover my passion for communications and marketing through my experiences on campus and guide me toward my future goals.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? I think people should consider Atlantic Cape because it has a really supportive and welcoming community. The professors truly care about students and want you to succeed. My advice would be to get involved as much as possible. It makes the experience so much more impactful. It was a steppingstone for me and helped me discover what I want to do in the future.

What are your plans after graduating? To stay in my current job as a secretary for Atlantic City Board of Education

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because of its convenience and price

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape gave me the opportunity to apply for promotions, increased pay and to get an education on my own time.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was having a lot of family members with health issues, working 12–hour days then coming home and getting homework done on 4-5 hours of sleep a night. Trying to fit in family life while working full time and going to school. It was all worth it! I wanted to give up so many times!

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? Online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank Loretta Grisi-Dicker. I started out only intending to get a certificate in Records and Information Management. She supported me and guided me to get my degree. She cheered me on when I wanted to give up. My husband and our children helped support me when I wanted to give up, many times. Without these four people I would have given up.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I utilized advising. This is how I met Professor Grisi–Dicker when I wanted to become a student in 2018.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means accomplishing this goal signifies that I have finally completed something I had always desired, but was previously unable to achieve due to life's obstacles. In 2018, I resolved to pursue a certificate, determined not to let any more time slip away. Despite the challenges I faced, I successfully earned my associate degree.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? It took me six years to graduate (I did not take classes in 2020-2021 due to COVID and work responsibilities). Take your time, take one class at a time to start.

What are your plans after graduating? After graduating from Atlantic Cape I will be returning to complete my third associate degree in the summer or possibly fall. Then, I plan to move on to my fourth degree in Psychology. The reason for this is that I see an opportunity through Phi Theta Kappa that cannot only change the narrative of my life, but also bring great recognition to my alma mater. My goal is to become the International President of the organization. While I would have otherwise moved on to pursue my bachelor’s degree, this opportunity can only be obtained at a two-year institution.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because, upon research when I immigrated here, I realized that this College would give me the perfect balance of opportunity, affordability and real-world growth. Atlantic Cape allowed me to step into leadership, challenge myself academically, and build a strong foundation in hospitality and business while staying connected to my community. Most importantly, it became the place where I turned potential into purpose and prepared myself to lead beyond graduation.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape has provided me with more opportunities than I can truly put into words. I had the honor of serving as Student Government President, representing all three campuses, participated on the presidential search committee, and was inducted into a lifetime honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, all while engaging with students across all three campuses and using my voice to make an impact. Out of everything, what stands out to me the most is the opportunity to lead and represent the entire student body. This experience has not only shaped my leadership but has genuinely transformed my life.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? During my time at Atlantic Cape, I was actively involved in the Science Club and the Hospitality Club, which allowed me to connect with like-minded students, and grow both academically and professionally. These experiences helped me build relationships, expand my knowledge and stay engaged on campus. Today, I proudly serve as the Student Government President, representing the student body and using my voice to make a lasting impact.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. One of my biggest challenges was balancing multiple responsibilities while adjusting to college life, especially managing school, leadership, work and personal expectations all at once. There were moments of exhaustion and doubt, but I learned to stay disciplined, prioritize my goals, and lean on the support systems around me at Atlantic Cape. I overcame these challenges by staying focused on my purpose, pushing through even on the hardest days and reminding myself that every obstacle was part of shaping the person I was becoming.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, online, hybrid and remote.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? There are so many people I could thank, but a few stood out in shaping my journey at Atlantic Cape. Professor Mark Camma saw something in me before I saw it in myself and reminded me that greatness was already within my reach. Professor Crystal Hutchinson poured belief into me with words that have stayed with me and pushed me to keep going. Professor Jeanine DiNardo, Lisa Givens, Professor Richard Perello, Professor Botsis, Stacy Zacharoff, Dr. Raymond Keller, and Dr. Karl Guilian. Each of these individuals has invested in me in their own way, through opening doors, challenging me and supporting me. Because of them, I stand here today as a true reflection of the people who believed in me when it mattered most.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? Yes, I utilized several of the free student resources offered by Atlantic Cape and they have played a meaningful role in my success. Services like advising and student support helped guide my academic decisions. The pantry was my go-to every class break. These resources not only supported me academically but also strengthened my confidence and ability to navigate my college journey successfully.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means proving to myself that every obstacle I faced did not define me, but shaped me into who I am today. It represents the sleepless nights, the sacrifices and the quiet moments where I had to believe in myself even when no one else could see my vision. This is more than a degree; it is a reminder that I broke barriers, honored my journey, and turned every doubt into determination.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? I believe others should consider attending Atlantic Cape because it offers more than just a degree or certificate; it is a place where you are seen, supported, and given real opportunities to grow, lead, and discover your potential. My advice to students considering it is to take a bold step with confidence, knowing this is a place that will support you and help build your future. And for those who will attend, get involved, use your resources, and do not be afraid to step up when someone is needed, because the more you put into this experience, the more it will truly change your life.

What are your plans after graduating? My plan is to attend Rutgers University- New Brunswick’s Business School for Accounting to get my Bachelor’s Degree.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because it provided an affordable and supportive start to my education. With the New Jersey STARS Scholarship, I was able to attend tuition-free for my first two years, which allowed me to focus on my academics. It also gave me the opportunity to build a strong foundation before transferring to a four–year university.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape has given me the opportunity to succeed in a small classroom environment, where I was able to stay focused and earn a 4.0 GPA. The support from professors and personalized learning experience helped me build a strong academic foundation and prepare for my transfer to Rutgers Business School in New Brunswick.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? At Atlantic Cape, I was actively involved as the Treasurer of the Hospitality Management Club, where I helped manage finances and support club events. I was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which reflects my strong academic performance.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. One of my biggest challenges was balancing my college coursework and activities while working as an assistant dance teacher at my high school. Managing both responsibilities required strong time management and discipline, especially while maintaining a high GPA. I overcame this by staying organized, prioritizing my schedule, and staying focused on my goals. This challenge helped me succeed academically while continuing to pursue my love for dance.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank Professor Jeanine DiNardo for her support since my first semester in 2024. After taking her Business 101 class, she encouraged me to join the Hospitality Management Club and even recommended me as Treasurer. Her kindness, guidance, and belief in my success have motivated me to reach my academic and leadership goals.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I utilized advising services as a New Jersey STARS student, which was extremely helpful in planning my courses. My advisor guided me in selecting the right classes to transfer seamlessly and stay on track for my Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means achieving a major milestone in my education and personal growth. It represents the hard work, dedication, and support I’ve received, and it prepares me to continue my journey toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? I recommend Atlantic Cape because it offers an affordable, supportive, and personalized learning environment. Small class sizes and helpful professors make it easy to succeed academically. My advice is to take advantage of scholarships, get involved in clubs, and meet new friends to make the most of your time here.

What are your plans after graduating? After graduation, I plan to begin working as a registered nurse while continuing my education, pursuing opportunities to advance my career and gaining experience in different clinical settings.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because of its strong nursing program, supportive faculty and convenient location, which allowed me to balance school with my other responsibilities.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape has provided me with hands-on clinical experience, access to knowledgeable faculty, and opportunities to develop both my nursing skills and professional confidence.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and served as the Nursing Class Representative.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing college with raising my two children. I managed my time carefully, sought out resources and support from faculty, and stayed focused on my goal. Overcoming this challenge taught me resilience, perseverance and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, online and remote.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank my family, especially my children, for motivating me to succeed and keeping me focused on my goals. I also appreciate my professors and mentors, who provided guidance, support and encouragement throughout my college journey.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? Yes, I utilized several student resources, including Student Support Services, academic advising and the campus food pantry, which helped me stay on track academically and manage personal challenges while pursuing my degree.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means achieving a major personal and academic goal. It represents hard work, dedication and hope. It proves to myself that despite challenges and doubts from others, I could succeed, create a better future for my family and take the first step toward advancing my career in nursing all while balancing other responsibilities.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? I would recommend Atlantic Cape because of its supportive faculty, strong academic programs and opportunities for hands-on experience. My advice to future students is to stay focused, take advantage of the resources available and believe in yourself; with dedication, you can achieve your goals here.

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.

What are your plans after graduating? I am going to get my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at a four-year university while also doing an internship.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because it’s conveniently located close to home and it’s affordable.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape gave me the opportunity to get an education at a cost that was affordable for me.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? N/A

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was figuring out my major. I did not know what I wanted to do, but attending Atlantic cape has allowed me to buy myself some time to figure things out. Atlantic Cape also helped me keep my momentum by not having to skip semesters.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, online and remote.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank my family. They have continued to support me through my indecision and have always encouraged me to keep going in the moments when I felt like giving up. My sister, Natasha, especially has been a huge motivator and inspiration for me as someone I feel best confiding in.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape marks a turning point for me. It’s about taking ownership of my future, committing to continuous growth and showing myself that I’m capable of becoming the person I’ve been working toward.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I took advantage of student advising.

What are your plans after graduating? After graduating from Atlantic Cape I plan on working more and trying to find potential employment with drones.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose to attend Atlantic Cape because it is local, very affordable and had an interesting drone program.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape has provided me with opportunities to explore my major more fully and to get a better understanding of what I am studying.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was learning how to properly manage my workloads, space things out strategically and learn how to handle working while in school.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? My parents since they helped me in the beginning with how to understand classes and the materials associated with those classes. They also helped me realize that Atlantic Cape was the right path for me.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I utilized advising this semester due to difficulties with my major and having to go through numerous departments to eventually get the classes I needed. They were very helpful in making sure that I had all of the classes I needed to graduate.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means it’s my last chapter of my childhood and moving into adulthood more.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? Atlantic Cape has many different options and there is always something for everyone here at the College.

What are your plans after graduating? I am going to obtain my RN.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because the courses were very affordable.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape gave me the opportunity to be a first-generation college graduate.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? N/A

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was commuting to campus for my classes.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank Student Service Navigator Renee Patterson.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means the world to me.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? Atlantic Cape is very accommodating to its students.

What are your plans after graduating? I am planning on attending Rowan University to earn a bachelor’s in Physics with a minor in Mathematics and also possibly a minor in Chemistry.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because I was able to save money and transfer my credits.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape gave me the opportunity to take classes and learn how to manage time.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I was part of the mathematics club.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was commuting to campus for my classes.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank Dr. Frank Toriello for helping me and other students by creating an associate degree program for physics.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I used the tutoring service and the Center for Accessibility.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means that I am very versatile in my field having two associate degrees in science.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? My advice is to get actively involve with student government and attend office hours.

What are your plans after graduating? I am going to be attending Stockton University for media production. I plan to continue to work as a college intern and to find ways to help others in every space I enter.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose to attend Atlantic Cape for its affordability and opportunity. I chose to stay at Atlantic Cape because of the sense of community and belonging. Here I have had wonderful professors who I am so grateful to have been able to get to know. I have found myself as a student and professional and become comfortable both in this.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape has provided me with the opportunity to meet people that have molded me into a man that I am proud of. One of my favorite opportunities has been having my art in the gallery for the first time! From lessons and trips, to leadership opportunities, Atlantic Cape has provided me with more opportunities than one single person can take on. The beautiful thing is that this is not just my story, it is the same for so many of my peers!

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I have been involved with the Esports & Media Club since my first semester. I also joined the Esports team, as well as being a part of programs, such as Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Fund and Men of Atlantic Cape. I have also been inducted into Chi Alpha Epsilon and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. During my first semester I fell and "broke my knees." This led to two knee surgeries, a lot of time on crutches, depression, not being able to work and more. This also exposed the people in my life who weren't truly there for me and left me uprooting my life, leaving the home I worked so hard to make and starting over with nothing but my grades. Nonetheless the community here has been a safe place and a safe haven, I have received support at the times I needed it most, and I never allowed anything to break me.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person and hybrid.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? First, I would like to thank God, my family for always having my back, my friends who have kept me in check and sat with me when my world caved in, as well as my professors, advisors and mentors. I attribute much of my success to Men of Atlantic Cape and give a special thanks to Eric, Manny, Jerome, Rashawn and Bryant. These men have led by example, taught me life skills, helped shift my perspective and focus, and supported me in my journey. I want to also say a special thank you to Mr. Henry Guzman of EOF. I will never forget the first time I walked in and it was his smile that actually bridged the gap between my anxiety and comfort. Henry's welcoming personality made him my first go-to here and I am truly grateful for that.

I also want to thank Dr. Zilovic. From my first club meeting he saw the leader within me and didn't push me, but pulled me out of my comfort zone. He also worked with me throughout my time and registration to make sure that I had the correct substitutions for my specific career path. This leads me to Professor Togashi, whom I have never had a class with, but has overseen my journey from start to finish as my club advisor. She goes above and beyond for her students and it is truly appreciated. I want to also thank Max Baruti, our club advisor and film teaching assistant. It has been such a pleasure to get to work with you this year and I am so proud of the things we accomplished. I am truly grateful to your dedication and persistence regarding our club and vision. I would also like to thank Orren Stewart for his support, for giving me a place and helping me improve even when I was horrible at the game. I want to thank Nancy Porfido. As a Food Pantry regular I cannot express my gratitude enough. I know that I have missed people, but I am inspired by everyone I have had the pleasure of learning from here.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I utilized every resource listed and I owe my success to that support system. I think it is important to learn how to use the resources that you have access too because they have made a massive impact on my life and my time here at Atlantic Cape.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means that I completed something. It means the world to me to see what I have accomplished here, especially considering I never believed I could do any of it. I walked into this building a completely different person than the man I have become.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? Atlantic Cape has amazing staff that make all the difference in feeling at home here. Never be afraid to ask for help and say hi to everyone, you never know where your connections will take you! Get involved, join a club, play the sport you always wanted to but never thought you were good enough, take the chance. And join MAC!

What are your plans after graduating? I am planning on attending Stockton University to major in Teaching.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because I immediately fell in love with the campus and its environment the first time I came here. I loved the community and energy it gave me.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape gave me endless opportunities. It helped me grow and mature so much. Atlantic Cape also gave me the access and confidence to do what I never knew I was capable of.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I was part of the Newspaper Club as its treasurer and vice president.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was overcoming my own weakness like time management, motivation and self struggles.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank the entire English department. They are amazing!

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I utilized the Educational Opportunity Fund, the Food Pantry, Student Support Services, tutoring and advising.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means everything and more. As a first-generation college student, it means a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders to allow me to overcome barriers and end negative cycles.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? This is such a great community, get involved!

What are your plans after graduating? After I graduate, I plan to transfer to a four–year university and get an internship.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because it offered an affordable and flexible pathway to continue my education while working. The programs available aligned with my career goals, and the location made it possible for me to balance school, work and personal responsibilities.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape gave me access to learning opportunities beyond the standard curriculum, including online courses that helped me continue growing professionally while balancing my other responsibilities.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. A major challenge during my college journey was balancing my academic responsibilities with work and financial obligations. There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming, but I stayed focused by setting clear priorities and reminding myself why I started. Over time, I developed stronger time management skills and resilience, which helped me successfully continue toward graduation.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, hybrid and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank God, my family and my professors for their support throughout my college journey. My faith gave me strength during difficult moments, my family encouraged me to keep going and my professors helped me grow academically. Together, they played a major role in helping me reach this achievement.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Coming from a country where my studies were taken away from me when I was about to get my degree, thanks to a dictatorship and political issues, graduating from Atlantic Cape means a lot to me because now I can achieve my dreams in ways I never thought I could.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? Others should consider attending Atlantic Cape because it offers flexibility, affordability and a supportive environment for students. My advice is to stay disciplined, use the resources available, and take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom. The experience can truly help you build a strong foundation for your career.

What are your plans after graduating? Following my graduation from Atlantic Cape, I plan to play men’s college basketball at the Division I level and continue my success.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape for the opportunity to play college basketball and earn an Associate Degree in Communication.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape provided me with the opportunity to play college basketball at the Division III level, earn a degree and eventually play at the Division I level.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? During my time at Atlantic Cape, I was an active member of the men’s basketball team.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge here at Atlantic Cape was being so far away from my home in Columbia, SC.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank Coach Ragland and Professor Forrest for shaping me into a better student and man.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I used the Food Pantry during my time at Atlantic Cape.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape literally means everything to me.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? Others should consider attending Atlantic Cape because it offers everyone a great opportunity to succeed.

What are your plans after graduating? After I graduate, I'm transferring to Stockton University to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts Education in Pre-K3 major.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because it had many things to offer. It had great opportunities for me because I didn't know which college I wanted to go to until I came across Atlantic Cape. This became my second family. All of the staff are great at giving advice when I was feeling down and they would help me. Also, Atlantic Cape is very affordable. I'm very grateful for that. Choosing Atlantic Cape made me happy and it has helped me overcome many challenging times.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape has provided me with many valuable opportunities that have supported my academic, personal and professional growth. I have had access to tutoring, academic advising, and student support services that helped me stay on track with my studies and build confidence in my abilities. The College has also allowed me to develop important skills, such as time management, communication, and critical thinking through my coursework and interactions with faculty and staff. In addition, Atlantic Cape has opened doors to career exploration and future planning by offering guidance through advising and career services. Overall, Atlantic Cape has provided me with a supportive learning environment, helpful resources, and opportunities to grow as a student and prepare for my future goals.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was failing my first semester. I struggled to pay attention in class and I was not doing very well until I got the help that I needed. I found my right path thanks to tutoring and asking advising for help.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, hybrid and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank Lynette Ingram, who has been my biggest supporter, as well as Renee Paterson, who has helped me a lot since the first day of school. They both helped me push through and gave me advice on not giving up. They motivated me and talked to me when I was struggling in class. They would advise on how I could push myself through to pass my classes.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I utilized several of the free student resources available to me. These were very helpful in supporting my academic and personal success. I made use of tutoring services to strengthen my understanding of difficult course material and improve my performance in classes. I also met with academic advising to help plan my course schedule and stay on track toward my educational goals. In addition, I benefited from Student Support Services, which provided guidance, encouragement and useful resources throughout the semester. These services helped me manage my time better and feel more confident about my progress. Overall, these free resources played an important role in helping me succeed as a student.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means a lot to me as a First–Generation student. As a First–Gen student who has struggled a lot and overcome so many challenges, graduating has giving me courage.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? My advice is to never being afraid to ask for help. Take advantage of the resources that Atlantic Cape offers because you never know where your next chapter will take you.

What are your plans after graduating? I am planning to go to Walden University because it has a strong online Social Work program, so I can earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I would like to start working soon and an online university is very attractive to me.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because of the associate degree program in counseling.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape has provided me with a new life.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I was involved with volunteering for All Roads Recovery in Pleasantville and for a class student intern at Enlightened Solutions for a class.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was writing several papers each week.

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 Dr. Sullivan in Psychology, Professor McElroy in Social Work and Tabitha Handeling in the CADC Program.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I was able to utilize tutoring for my computer lab and for all of my math labs, as well as the Food Pantry, Advising, Center for Accessibility, Career Services, SAS and Student Support Services.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means a lot because 10 years ago I went through a liver transplant and on August 4, 2026 it will be 10 years since my transplant.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? I earned my Culinary Degree in the late 1980s from the Academy of Culinary Arts and I had an 18–year–career in the restaurant business in Atlantic City. In the late 1990s, I went to Atlantic Cape’s Casino Career Institute and wound up having a 25–year–career in the gaming industry in Atlantic City. I have now been sober for 12 years and I am about to earn my associate degree. I feel I can do what God sent me to do, and that is save lives and help people like me.

What are your plans after graduating? I am going to look for a job and possibly work towards earning my bachelor’s degree.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because of its affordability.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape gave me the opportunity to earn my degree.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? N/A

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was being a mom and being pregnant throughout my last semester.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, online and remote.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would really like to thank my husband, my parents and myself.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? It means that I have achieved a goal in my life.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? Atlantic Cape offers great opportunities. You should always ask questions.

What are your plans after graduating? My plan is to go from part-time to full-time at my present job.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because it has an excellent culinary arts program.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape gave me the pleasure of participating in helping run the Annual Restaurant Gala and the Chaine des Rotisseurs events, not to mention the continuous opportunity to learn and grow my craft.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I participated in Open House events.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My learning challenges I face can be hurdles. I have to overcome or find ways to work through them, but with the help and guidance of the Center for Accessibility, my professors and instructors in the culinary program, I have had not only a positive experience, but a successful time at Atlantic Cape.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I have many people to thank for helping me reach my goals, including Chef Joseph Sheridan who always encourages students to keep pushing themselves. The Center for Accessibility for giving me the tools I needed to succeed in my classes, and Chef Wohlman for helping me getting my culinary classes registered and making sure I was on target to graduate.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? Yes, I utilized Advising and the Center for Accessibility.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape gave me the necessary knowledge and experience to join the work force in a professional restaurant setting.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? Atlantic Cape has a welcoming environment. The campus is not overwhelming, and the courses and programs available are plentiful.

What are your plans after graduating? After graduation, I plan to continue my education by transferring to Camden County College to pursue my nursing degree through the Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing Program. This opportunity will allow me to further develop my skills in the healthcare field while also being closer to home and my family.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I initially visited Atlantic Cape while touring the campus with my daughter, who was planning to attend. During that visit, I was immediately drawn to the campus environment and the opportunities it offered. That experience ultimately inspired me to enroll and I began taking classes in the fall of 2024.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape has given me the opportunity to return to school and pursue my goals in healthcare. The support from faculty and the accessibility of resources have helped me grow academically and gain confidence in my ability to succeed in the next stage of my education.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I was involved with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. One of the biggest challenges I faced was returning to school later in life after being away from academics for many years. Adjusting to the demands of coursework, time management and balancing school with family responsibilities was not easy at first. However, through persistence, discipline, and support from my family and instructors, I was able to overcome those obstacles. This experience not only strengthened my work ethic, but also gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my education and future career in healthcare.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank my family, especially my wife and children, for their constant support and encouragement throughout my college journey. I am also deeply grateful to my parents, who instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance. Their belief in me motivated me to stay focused and push through challenges, even when things felt overwhelming. In addition, I appreciate my instructors, whose guidance and support helped me succeed academically and stay on track toward my goals.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? Yes, I took advantage of several student resources during my time at Atlantic Cape, including Student Support Services and the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF). These programs provided me with guidance, academic support, and additional resources that helped me stay on track and succeed in my coursework. Utilizing these services played an important role in my overall college experience and achievement.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means a great deal to me. It represents a personal accomplishment and a milestone I worked hard to achieve, especially as someone returning to school later in life. It shows that with dedication and perseverance it is never too late to pursue your goals. This achievement has given me confidence and serves as a foundation for the next step in my journey toward a career in healthcare.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? I would encourage others to consider attending Atlantic Cape because it offers a supportive learning environment, dedicated faculty and valuable resources that help students succeed. My advice would be to stay focused, take advantage of the resources available to you, and not be afraid to ask for help when needed. If you put in the effort and remain committed, Atlantic Cape provides a strong foundation to help you reach your academic and career goals.

What are your plans after graduating? After graduation, I plan to continue my education at a four-year university and eventually work in my professional field. I look forward to continuing to grow academically and gaining more experience that will help me build a successful career in the future.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I decided to begin my higher education in the United States in search of better opportunities for my future and a new path away from my home country. My family members had spoken highly of Atlantic Cape Community College, especially about the quality of its professors and the welcoming environment on campus, and I do not regret listening to their advice.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape Community College has provided me with many valuable opportunities. During my time there, I have met people from different countries, cultures, and life experiences, many of whom have left a meaningful impact on me and helped me grow as a person. Through clubs and leadership positions, especially serving as president, I was able to develop professionally through scholarships, networking opportunities and conferences. In the classroom, I also discovered a deeper passion for my career, something I am truly grateful for. Overall, Atlantic Cape has played a major role in both my personal and professional growth and I deeply appreciate all the opportunities it has given me.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I was actively involved in several student organizations and clubs. I served as president of Los Latinos Unidos and as vice president of the Black Student Alliance. I was also a member of Circle K and served as vice president of fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). These experiences allowed me to develop leadership skills, build meaningful connections and become more involved within the campus community.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. One of the biggest challenges I faced was adapting to a new country while being far away from my family and home country. Adjusting to a different environment, culture, and lifestyle was difficult at first, but over time I learned how to become more independent and confident in myself. Another challenge was learning how to manage my schedule while balancing several courses and extracurricular activities at the same time. Through organization, discipline, and perseverance, I was able to overcome these challenges and grow both personally and academically during my college journey.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, online and remote.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank all of my professors, because I truly have no complaints about any of them. Every professor I have had at Atlantic Cape Community College has done a wonderful job making my classes feel like more than just lectures, but rather spaces where I genuinely enjoy learning. Many of them have also taken the time to advise me about my future, which I deeply appreciate. Their support and encouragement helped me develop a true passion for my career path, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I was able to utilize the Food Pantry, Advising, Career Services and Tutoring.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape Community College represents another important step in the long journey toward my future career and goals. It reflects not only my academic growth, but also my personal growth, resilience and the experiences that have shaped me during my time in college. I am very grateful for everything I learned and accomplished throughout this chapter of my life.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? I believe others should consider attending Atlantic Cape Community College because it is an excellent place to begin higher education. Not only does the College provide a strong academic environment, but it also offers a welcoming community that truly supports students and encourages them to grow both professionally and personally.

My advice for future students would be to get involved, take advantage of the opportunities available on campus, and not be afraid to step outside of their comfort zone. The experiences and connections they make can have a meaningful impact on their future.

What are your plans after graduating? After graduation, my plan is to take a gap year to save money working and to volunteer at local organizations to get some experience in my chosen career field. The places I specifically plan on volunteering at are Animal Welfare Society and The Wetlands Institute.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because it is close to home and because of my educational dedication at Cape May County Technical High School, I was eligible for the NJSTARS program. This enabled me to go through all three years of my college experience without having to pay a single cent towards tuition.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape Community College offered me valuable opportunities, such as being a presenter for the 2nd and 3rd Annual Marine Science Symposium's at the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center. I also was given the opportunity from Professor Peter Oudemans to work for Rutgers University as a Scientific Illustrator, drawing cyclical diagrams of the fungus Physalospora vaccinii. Professor Oudemans is also working with me to get the illustration published in the American Phytopathological Society Journal!

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I was not active in any clubs or sports due to my intricate work and school life balance (juggling 30-hour work weeks with full time schooling).

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. Over my three years at Atlantic Cape, I experienced an array of obstacles that have reflected my vigorous tenacity for my continuous education and efforts to show up for myself. From having my car break down multiple times, to having no car for the first year of my college experience which forced me to rely on rides, juggling a busy work schedule with a full–time class schedule, being one of the main money makers in my household, aiding my mother with my four–year–old on–the–spectrum brother, experiencing the deaths of two loved ones in the span of four months, and overall struggling with chronic anxiety and depression. All of these experiences have played a role in making me the strong-willed person I am today. I can look back with peace and gratitude knowing that I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for all that I have experienced.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, online and hybrid.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank the entire the Science Department for everything they do. I want to specifically thank Professors Kenneth Cabarle, Richard Perello, Dr. Christopher Carbone, and Dr. Frank Toriello for personally impacting my college experience in a way I will never forget. It isn’t often that you meet professors who truly put their heart and soul into what they do, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. Atlantic Cape would not be the place it is if it wasn't for professors like these four amazing people and the work they put into every student that walks in their classroom.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I have used the Food Pantry throughout my three years at Atlantic Cape. The Cape May County campus advising team has always been so supportive and helpful for me, especially Kristi Collemacine. I wouldn't be graduating if it weren't for her being there to help answer every question I had no matter how small it was.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape means more to me than words can describe. Being the first person in my family to ever graduate college is something I will forever be proud of. I look forward to being a positive role model for my little brother as he gets older. There are so many people I have lost in my life that would be so proud of me that I have made it to this position. When I walk on that stage, they will be the first ones on my mind. My Uncle Matt and Uncle Drew mean everything to me. For me to do something like this, I know they will be standing beside me in spirit supporting me every step of the way.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? I feel like Atlantic Cape offers an abundance of opportunities especially for those with lower incomes that struggle while delicately balancing daily life. I think the flexibility, community and the unspoken opportunities that come from a place like this all make attending Atlantic Cape an extremely valuable investment.

What are your plans after graduating? After graduation, I will be working in the exact field I dreamed of. The Hospitality Program at Atlantic Cape helped me realize that I wanted to work in event planning. I am proud to say that I am now the Wedding and Events Specialist at The Cape Collection and I cannot wait to see where this career opportunity takes me.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because I was encouraged to expand my knowledge of Hospitality and was told that Atlantic Cape has the best Hospitality program in the area.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Attending Atlantic Cape has given me connections and experiences that I will forever cherish. It has given me friendships that will last a lifetime and has open the door to a career that is truly fulfilling and rewarding.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I was the Vice President of The Hospitality Club.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. When I came to Atlantic Cape, it had been over 10 years since I had been in a classroom. I had tried online homeschooling when I was in high school, but it didn't work for me, so I got my GED. Coming to Atlantic Cape, I was scared to fall behind and fail again. With the support of my professors, peers, and family, I was able to stay motivated and determined to succeed. Completing assignments and exams went from a chore to a challenging goal that was rewarding to complete.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person, online, hybrid and remote.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I want to thank all the women in my life who have supported me and impacted my life for the better. We all need a support system, and I am overwhelmed with the love and support I have received in my lifetime. I would like to thank my first mentor, Candice. She is quite literally the epidemy of hospitality. When she took me under her wing, she awakened something in me that became bigger than I could ever imagine. I can never thank her enough for her patience and the guidance she provided me. I also want to thank my cousin, Cary. Without all of the encouragement and support she has given me; I would not be here walking this stage. Thank you for showing me the meaning of "that's what family's for.”

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? Very often I utilized the Food Pantry on campus. With long hours of classes and studying, it was nice to know that I had a place to get free food to fuel my brain.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape is the biggest accomplishment of my life to date. It means that I am strong, I am capable and I am worthy. It also means that I can show my baby sisters that they too are strong, capable, and worthy.

What are your plans after graduating? After graduation, I am planning to apply for a bachelor’s degree program in nursing.

Why did you choose Atlantic Cape? I chose Atlantic Cape because I heard about its stellar reputation for learning and clinical experiences from several alumni.

What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you? Atlantic Cape Community College has provided me with a world of opportunities and support. It has been more helpful than I could ever have dreamed of.

What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape? I was active in the English Honor Society.

Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them. My biggest challenge was going back to school as an almost–40-year-old–women and mother of four. It was a little overwhelming, but the community and family support I received has shown me and my children that anything is possible.

Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote? In-person and online.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank Jessica Gustafson and Deborah Degrossa.

Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you? I utilized the Educational Opportunity Fund, Food Pantry and Student Support Services.

What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you? Graduating from Atlantic Cape has meant a new life for my family.

Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them? I feel others should attend Atlantic Cape because it’s not just a school to get an education, you develop so much more. You become part of a community. It’s like a family that will help support you through this whole journey of higher learning.