Le Moyne was a fresh start for me. After a pretty up-and-down first two years at a different university, I transferred here hoping for something better and I found it. The smaller classes and close-knit family feel made it easier to connect with people, and most of the professors really showed they cared about how I was doing. That kind of support mattered. It made a difference for me.
What first brought me to Le Moyne, though, was the opportunity to play basketball. During my first two years, I began to really come into my own again on the court. I worked hard, grew as a player, and stayed focused on getting better. But this past year didn’t go how I hoped it would, and it came with a lot of challenges. Even through the disappointment, I’ve learned how to stay grounded, grow through tough situations, and focus on what really matters.
Outside of the court, I found something just as valuable. Some of the professors here are truly brilliant—and I mean that. They pushed me, challenged me, and helped me see things differently. I also know I’ve made some lifelong friends here. The kind of people who stick, who check in, who’ve been part of the highs and lows. That’s something I’ll always carry with me.
I’ve also got to shout out my academic advisors and the folks in the registrar’s office. They were always there when I needed guidance. Whether it was figuring out my schedule, keeping me on track, or answering questions when I felt unsure, they never made me feel like a burden. That kind of behind-the-scenes support plays a huge role in getting across the finish line.
One of the biggest things I’m taking with me from Le Moyne is that I’ve found my voice. I’ve learned who I am, what I stand for, and what I’m capable of. I’ve also learned not to be ashamed of my differences because those are the things that make me unique. Either you like me as I am, or you don’t. I’m not here to change myself to fit anyone else’s expectations anymore. That kind of confidence only comes from growth, and I’m thankful to Le Moyne for helping me get there. Be you. If you know, you know.
And while school taught me a lot academically, the biggest lessons I’ve learned here didn’t come from any textbook. I learned how to keep going when life gets hard. I learned that there are support systems in place but you’ve got to be willing to use them. And I’ll say this especially to anyone who’s struggling with their mental or emotional health: Talk to someone. There are some genuine people here who truly care about your well-being. And if you ever feel like you’re carrying too much don’t carry it alone.
Another tough lesson I had to learn was this: not everyone who starts out cheering for you will still be there at the finish line. Some of the people who were the loudest in my corner when I got here have been quiet lately and yeah, that’s been tough. It hurts. But I’ve come to realize it’s just part of life. People shift. Priorities change. And sometimes silence teaches you more than words ever could. When people show you who they are, believe them and keep it moving.
I also want to be honest. I haven’t been perfect. I’ve made mistakes, had setbacks, and learned the hard way more than once. But that’s part of the journey too. Growing. Owning your story. Finding your way. Through all of it, I’m grateful for this place. Le Moyne gave me space to grow, to reset, and to become a better version of myself.
Graduation means everything to me. There was a time when I was told that college wouldn’t even be possible for me, not because of grades or effort, but because of my learning differences. People assumed I wouldn’t be able to keep up. But here I am, God willing, just days away from walking across that stage.
And that moment will mean even more because I didn’t get to do it back in 2020, when I graduated from high school. The COVID-19 pandemic took that milestone from a lot of us. So, this cap and gown moment—it hits different for me. It’s not just about celebrating one chapter closing. It’s about reclaiming something I missed and honoring everything it took to get here.
As for what’s next, the truth is I’m not totally sure yet. And that’s okay. Some people think you’re supposed to have it all figured out right after graduation. But everybody’s journey looks different. And I’m different and that’s okay too. I’ll figure it out when I get there. One step at a time.
To anyone coming up next: take advantage of the support around you. Be open to growth. Take care of your mental health. And don’t lose focus if the people you expected to walk with you don’t stay. Trust yourself. Keep going.
Le Moyne gave me more than a degree — it gave me perspective, strength, and a chapter I’ll never forget.
“Sometimes the biggest flex is finishing what they said you never could.”
– Darrick Jones Jr, Class of 2025.
