Karina Aviles
New Haven Promise Scholar
Southern provided the environment to grow in so many aspects. I was able to explore my interests through clubs and organizations. I joined the most Precious and Rare Organization, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. I've had the opportunity to work on campus, and create life-long connections with coworkers and fellow peers. Overall, Southern helped me find my place in the community. She would love to give a shout out to ASC and UAP! It's been amazing to work with everyone while also learning with everyone. She is also looking forward to graduating as a first-generation student and continuing my education with my Master's in Counseling.
Alyssa-Marie Proto
New Haven Promise Scholar
My name is Alyssa-Marie Proto and I came to Southern to pursue my dream to become a special educator. I grew and developed so much during my time at Southern. When I first started I found it hard to balance school, work, and my personal life. As the years went on I finally learned how to manage my time and met my goal of making the Dean's List multiple times. I would like to thank my parents, brother, and all four of my loving grandparents for pushing me and being next to me and supporting me through every step of this journey. I would especially like to thank my amazing Husband for supporting me and being my rock throughout all of my college experience. I would not be where I am today without all of my family. I would also like to thank New Haven Promise for believing in me from the start! I'm looking forward to teaching and inspiring young minds and helping the next generation to grow into well-rounded adults!
Emily M Lopez
S.E.O.P Scholar
Southern Connecticut State University taught me a lot not only educationally but also personally. Because of southern, I was able to not only find my true passion in a field I would have NEVER thought I’d be in ( Recreation Therapy) but most importantly SCSU taught me that college was in fact for me & that I would be able to graduate like I’m doing so now, regardless of how much I thought I wouldn’t have. First and foremost, I would like to thank SEOP tremendously for seeing something in me that allowed me to be at SCSU and make myself and my family proud. I would also like to thank my family for always motivating me and believing in me. The professors in my major that all made me feel intelligent, capable & worthy of all my success. Thankfully in the search of an internship at the recreation internship night at SCSU I was able to come across my current boss which granted me the opportunity to work for Chapel Haven Schleifer Center. Where I work in the recreation department planning & running programs for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities. I hope to stay at my job for as long as possible, because through my job I figured out where my passion really stands
Melanie Dejesus
New Haven Promise Scholar
I have always been an independent person but coming to southern made me realize I need people. Shout out to my mom for always being there for me and pushing me, shout out to my grandma for being my biggest cheerleader, shout out to the rest of my family for always being around and keeping me on track. Getting my teaching certification and working to study for the LSAT.
Taylor I Daniels
S.E.O.P Scholar
I came to southern to fulfill my dreams of studying forensic science but they did not offer that southern. So, I did not have a clue what to do next. I spent my whole freshman year trying to figure out what to major in and my advisor Elaine helped me figure out what I wanted to do and helped me pick my major of sociology, criminal justice and a minor in psychology! Southern has honestly taught me I should give back to those less unfortunate and try to give back as much as I can! Southern really helped me figure out that helping people was my calling and something I would Like to do for life. I could've had got where I got today without the guidance from SEOP as well as my advisor Elaine! I truly found what I wanted to make a career out of and I couldn't Be more thankful! Shootout to my former advocate Elaine Salinger ! She really helped me a lot. I'm looking forward to working with the State of Connecticut as a social worker trainee and eventually getting my own practice when I feel I gained Enough confidence and knowledge!
Melisa Rose Beecher
New Haven Promise Scholar
Throughout my time at Southern, I really grew socially and academically. I believe that the professors and mentors I had, helped me develop a unique work ethic and time management system unlike another. I want to thank my parents, Regina and David first. Without their endless love and support, I do not know if I would have gotten to where I am today. I still remember being a little girl and my dad trying to teach me how to subtract and legitimately knocking on the wall to show me that I needed to borrow from the neighbor number. My mom has never turned me away when I have been stressed or have an issue with school. She is always there with helpful insight into school and life. My sister Amanda deserved an award of her own! The countless papers I had her proofread just to make sure they were perfect before submitting made it so she always knew what I was learning. She is such a strong and independent woman that I have always aspired to be like her as an adult. In college though, I realized that we could not be more different. I realized that it was ok to not be just like her because this world does not need two Amanda’s and more importantly does NOT need two Melisa’s (I think she might agree with this ha-ha). Lastly, I want to thank my boyfriend, Cristian. He has always been there for me when I’ve needed advice on classes and friends and provides an immense amount of support. Thank you, Mommy, Daddy, Amanda, and Cristian, for always encouraging me to do the impossible and to run toward my dreams. And of course, this would not be a family thank you without a shout out to the best puppies in the world, Mickey, Koda, Bella and Rosa! Thanks for all the footprints on my textbooks!! I am looking forward to getting a “real” job and joining the adult workforce. I can’t wait to take all the skills I have learned and developed over my 4 years and bring them to a future employer. Hopefully within a lab setting similar to the Werth Canter. I am looking forward to getting a “real” job and joining the adult workforce. I can’t wait to take all the skills I have learned and developed over my 4 years and bring them to a future employer. Hopefully within a lab setting similar to the Werth Canter.
Emonee Easterling
S.E.O.P Scholar
At Southern I developed a deeper love and respect for myself. Understanding that putting priorities first will only benefit me in the long run, cherishing the bonds of true friends, and most importantly getting to know myself inside and out! I want to give thanks to God first and foremost! I am absolutely nothing without you. Special thanks to my mom and dad for being there no matter what life threw at me. Thank you grandma for always speaking to me with gentle love and truth. To my little sister, dream big and remember to always smile. Life is too short to sweat the small things. You are a Queen! To my big brother, never let the ignorance of the world make you feel less than. You are a King! Lastly, I want to share this degree with all the black women and men we lost due to police brutality. They would have been future doctors, lawyers, mothers and fathers. I will never forget: BLACK LIVES MATTER!! Moving forward I’m dedicated in helping my community. I’ve come across so many individuals with potential and I want them to know there are still people who care and haven’t given up on them. Moving forward I’m dedicated in helping my community. I’ve come across so many individuals with potential and I want them to know there are still people who care and haven’t given up on them.
Irving Jose Inahuazo
New Haven Promise Scholar
I grew up academically of putting effort into my work. Realizing how this was time consuming yet creative, made me value my own interest of learning material and applying that to my own work. Personal growth at SCSU was definitely responsibility with my personal and academic life. Shout out to the History Department, Prof. John Smith, Troy Paddock, Carter-David, Amerman, Darcy Kern, my family, friends, and especially NEW HAVEN PROMISE! Seriously appreciate all of you. All genuine love for you all. I am looking forward to professional goals, Teaching, out of my comfort zone Full-time/part time jobs.