Georgia Southern first-generation student graduates magna cum laude
When first-generation college student Jaquez Miley graduates magna cum laude in 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Fall 2019 commencement ceremony in Savannah on Friday, 39 of his closest friends and family members will be there to cheer him on.
鈥淚鈥檓 the first in my family,鈥� said Miley. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something that they鈥檙e very proud of because they didn鈥檛 get a chance at postsecondary education.鈥�
For Miley, it was important to him as a first-generation college student to take his studies seriously and to be involved on campus.
鈥淚 became a resident assistant my second semester,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t helped me break out of my shell and get exposed to more people by being more open and outgoing.鈥�
Miley also served in the Office of Multicultural Affairs鈥� Men of Vision and Excellence, which provides a multifaceted support system for African American males entering the university, and Collegiate 100 of Georgia, a coalition of students committed to upholding the principles of education, social and cultural awareness, community service and scholarship through organized events and programs.
Within the organizations he made lasting friendships that shaped his time on campus.
鈥淏eing able to have that support system here with people I can call family has been my best collegiate experience,鈥� says Miley.聽
Miley will graduate with a degree in health sciences, with a health administration concentration and plans to take a semester off before pursuing a master鈥檚 in health administration at Georgia Southern in the fall.
After being recognized as magna cum laude, Miley鈥檚 biggest takeaway from his experience at Georgia Southern is that, 鈥渋f you work hard, you can achieve anything.鈥�
糖心Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit聽.