Amari Summerlin

VALDOSTA — After years of hard work and late nights, hundreds of students walked across the stage Saturday evening at Valdosta State University

But before each student walked across the stage, a few of the graduates shared some of their fondest memories while attending the school, and where they plan to go once their feet cross the stage.

Santiago Rodriguez of Yurecoaro, Mexico, earned a bachelor of arts in mathematics.

His fondest time at VSU was “waking up early to do a final or finish a project,” he said. “It was really relaxing.”

After graduation, Rodriguez plans to work towards engineering school, he said. He plans to specialize in industrial engineering.

Kameri Johnson of Augusta earned a bachelor’s of fine arts in mass media.

Her favorite memory at VSU was when she switched to mass media from business management, she said.

“It was something I knew I wanted to do,” she said.

What made her time in the department so enjoyable was the hands-on material and the difficulty, Johnson said.

“It was challenging and pushed me to be better,” she said.

Amari Summerlin of St. Petersburg, Fla., earned a BFA in mass media.

For Summerlin, it was time she spent in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, that was most special during her tenure at the school.

“It was meeting new people, doing community service and helping other people out in the community,” she said.

Tony Rowden of Athens earned a BA in history. Bowden said he couldn’t pinpoint one specific thing that stood out most, but made sure he did as much as he could while at VSU.

He was the president of four clubs at the same time and a part of the table tennis team and cross-country team.

“I had to make sure I took advantage of college while I could,” he said.

He plans to get a job teaching middle school, but plans to return to school and “hopefully” teach college, Rowden said.

Megan Wetherington of Valdosta earned a bachelor’s of science in psychology.

Her favorite part of going to school were the guest speakers who spoke at the college, she said.

“It was a requirement for the classes, but it was really good,” she said.

She plans to go to graduate school at VSU in August and specialize in children and family therapy or in school counseling, she said.

Siobhan Richardson of Valdosta earned a BS in nursing.

Her best memory at VSU was the first time in clinicals, she said.

“I love helping people,” she said.

She plans to go to Bethel University in Minnesota to earn her master’s degree and become a mid-wife.

Alexis Wright of Valdosta earned her BS in nursing. For her, the best part of college was making friends and working together, she said.

“We couldn’t have got it done without calling each other every night,” she said. “It was good to have someone there for you.”

Her plan is to “work a job with passion,” she said. Though, she is open to any job, “baby delivery would be amazing.”

Shemika Moss of Valdosta earned her BS in nursing.

As a non-traditional student, her favorite part of going back to college was how well the other students treated her, she said.

“They treated me just like one of them,” she said. “That was the most surprising.”

Moss would like to go into critical care, but is willing to let the Lord place her where she should be, she said.

“Wherever I land will be fine,” she said.

The ceremony began at 5 p.m. and concluded with a brief fireworks display. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.