What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending Penn State University and working on several internships as well.
“Atlantic Cape gave me more than just an education—it provided me with a launching pad. From becoming a sports photographer and media intern to winning multiple Communication awards, I gained hands-on experience that has shaped my future. The College empowered me to grow as a content creator, leader and student.”
I will be attending Penn State University and working on several internships as well.
When I graduated from high school, I learned that my family wouldn’t be able to support me financially through college. While that was difficult to accept at the time, choosing Atlantic Cape quickly became the smartest decision I could have made. It offered me an affordable, high-quality education and the flexibility to explore my interests while staying close to home in South Jersey.
Atlantic Cape gave me more than just an education—it provided me with a launching pad. From becoming a Sports Photographer and Media Intern to winning multiple Communication Awards, I was able to gain hands-on experience that has shaped my future. The College empowered me to grow as a content creator, leader and student, and encouraged me to take creative risks that led to building my own photography brand.
I served as President of the Film Club, completed an honors course, and was an active member of two honor societies. I also worked as a Sports Photographer and Media Intern, which allowed me to combine my love of sports and media in a meaningful way. These roles helped me build leadership skills, connect with my community and find my passion for sports storytelling.
The biggest challenge I faced was having to build my own path. With limited financial resources and few opportunities handed to me, I had to create them myself. Whether it was reaching out to Atlantic Cape’s College Relations department to pitch myself as a media intern, or starting my own photography business to gain experience, I learned to take initiative and trust my vision. I didn’t wait for doors to open—I knocked on them.
I attended classes at Atlantic Cape in-person, online and remote.
I have so many people to thank at Atlantic Cape. All of my amazing professors, especially Keith Forrest for being an amazing resource and believing in me. Lastly, the College Relations/Marketing team for giving me an opportunity and helping me gain invaluable experience that I can carry forward.
Graduating from Atlantic Cape means everything to me. It represents hard work, sacrifice and self-made opportunity. I came in unsure of how I’d afford college or what direction I’d go. Now, I am leaving with a degree, real-world experience and a clear vision for my future. It’s proof that you don’t need a traditional path or a perfect plan to succeed—you just need determination, support and the courage to create your own opportunities. Atlantic Cape was more than a stepping stone; it was where I found my voice, my passion and the confidence to keep going.
Atlantic Cape is a hidden gem. It’s a place where you’re not just a number—you’re someone with a voice, a story and potential. The professors truly care, and the smaller environment gives you space to grow, lead, and get involved in ways you might not have imagined. If you’re motivated, there are opportunities everywhere—you just have to be willing to go after them.