Countdown to Commencement: Meet Our Student Speakers

 

Edna Aboagye ‘16
Wappingers Falls, NY
Bachelor of Science in Biology

What will be your best "Carpe Diem" memory from Bay Path?

My best Carpe Diem memory from Bay Path would have to be participating in the Miss Bay Path competition as a first year student. Since I was new here, I figured why not take a chance and have some fun? I wore an old Bay Path College cheerleading uniform and did the infamous “Wobble” and other dances on stage. People still give me kudos for being so “Bay Path Bold.”

What was your most significant learning experience at Bay Path?

In my first year at Bay Path, doubts about whether I could keep up with the hard work required of a biology major fueled the fire for my education and my dreams for the future. Three-and-a-half years later, I graduated early with my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a 3.6 GPA. I even made Maroon Key. I learned at Bay Path that if you want something bad enough, you can turn a “can’t” into a “can!”  

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Always, always, always be true to yourself. College is already going to be a challenging portion of your life, so there is no need to add to the stress by trying to become someone other than yourself. There's nothing wrong with being unique or thinking outside of the box. Be original and learn to love yourself for who you are.

What are your post-​graduation plans?

I have recently started applying to physician assistant graduate programs in New York while working on my direct patient care hours as a Patient Care Assistant with Community Home Health Care. I am hoping to get accepted into graduate school for the fall of 2017 so I can start on a new chapter in my life to help people in a big way.

Any other thoughts or accomplishments you'd like to share?

My time here at Bay Path has definitely shaped me into a stronger and more independent person, and I could not be any more thankful for my experience here. Some days were a lot better than others, but seeing the woman that I have blossomed into has made my struggle worth it. I led the step team for two years as captain, played tennis and lacrosse, and took on as many on-campus leadership positions as possible, all while maintaining good grades. I have been told that I’ve been an inspiration for other students who needed an example to follow. I think I have left my mark at this University and that is all I wanted to achieve.

Jennifer Hotchkiss ‘16
Windsor, CT
Bachelor of Arts in Leadership & Organizational Studies, The American Women’s College Online

What will be your best “Carpe Diem” memory from Bay Path/The American Women’s College Online?

I don’t think my best “Carpe Diem” moment has happened yet. I think that speaking at Commencement will be that moment. Being able to address my peers, their friends and family, and my wonderful Bay Path University family will be the pinnacle of my American Women’s College Online career.

What was your most significant learning experience at Bay Path/The American Women’s College Online?

Don’t underestimate your ability to accomplish something challenging. Growing up, I constantly struggled with math. But I had to face those struggles at The American Women’s College Online, because Statistics and Financial Accounting were curriculum requirements for my bachelor’s degree program. Both classes challenged me, but also made me take my time, assess the numbers and situations I was given, and made me feel as though all the challenges I had in math before didn’t exist. For the first time in my life, I got A’s in math-based classes. I was very proud of myself!

What’s your advice for next year’s incoming class? 

The American Women’s College Online is like nothing you’ve experienced before, even if you attended traditional college when you were younger. Embrace every moment. This is your time. This is for YOU. Use it to express yourself and engage in everything you can.  

Also, be patient and have faith in your abilities. Remember that you can do anything and succeed in what you set out to accomplish. Also remember that the professors are there to help you, so don’t feel bad emailing them and asking questions. You have to be very proactive in the online courses. Once you get the hang of it, it’s second nature.

Any other thoughts or accomplishments you’d like to share? 

There are so many great women involved with Bay Path University and The American Women’s College Online. I want to send a special thank you to Ann Hammer, whose named scholarship I received to be able to attend The American Women’s College Online. She paved the way for women like me to complete their dream of receiving a college degree, and for that I’m eternally grateful.

 

Jodie Baker G’16
Windsor Locks, CT
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction Writing

 

What will be your best "Carpe Diem" memory as a Bay Path student?

Deciding to start the program in the first place was a huge first step for me to take and it did require some courage to "seize the day" and go for it. I had to be sure not only that I could manage the time and assignments but also that this was the right program and the right school for me. Ultimately, I'm so happy I decided to take that leap!

What was your most significant learning experience at Bay Path?

I think my most significant learning experience was how the MFA at Bay Path managed to make a completely online program so interactive. Initially, I wasn't sure how a program that would need to rely on a ton of discussion and workshopping would be able to function as an online platform, but I was pleasantly surprised. Every faculty member really took the time to make sure we were being heard, they used Canvas conferences or other video chat programs to hold classes, and I ended up not missing "in person" classes. In fact, I probably got even more out of this program because it was so flexible and I was able to work at the times that were best for me.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

I think the best advice I could give would be to find a routine that really works for you and stick with it. Especially if you're going to be an online student or dealing with other demands on your time like work, a significant other, or family needs, you have to be pretty disciplined in order to get everything done. I used my lunch hours at work to get a lot of reading or other homework done so that I could concentrate on writing on weekends or at night. I also kept a lot of lists to help me keep track of assignments and due dates for my courses. It’s about finding what works best for you and your schedule and sticking to it.

What are your post-​​graduation plans?

My current plans are to continue working here at Bay Path while continuing to write on the side. I'm hoping to get more pieces published and to start building up a portfolio.

Any other thoughts or accomplishments you'd like to share?

My biggest accomplishment from the program was that I managed to get a piece that I had written published-- it's due to come out in Yankee Magazine this spring or summer. Aside from that, I'm extremely proud that I proved to myself that I could work full-time, go to school full-time, and be successful in everything.