Countdown to Commencement: Meet our Student Speakers

Delrica Mia Battle ’18
Bachelor of Arts in Leadership & Organizational Studies
The American Women’s College Online

As you know, leadership is a strong thread at Bay Path University. How have you strengthened as a leader during your time here?  
Bay Path has renewed my self-esteem and given me tools, educational skills, and knowledge that I can apply to my life, both professionally and personally. I have also found an amazing nonprofit volunteer opportunity with Suited for Change, an organization that provides business clothes to women who have completed job training workshops and are preparing to go on interviews for positions. The women are given appropriate clothes, shoes, and accessories to help them feel and look professional as they take a step toward bettering their financial and personal situations. The organization also holds life skills workshops, including financial literacy, which is my passion and area of expertise. I have been asked to coordinate with their existing workshop partners to teach financial literacy classes and will begin doing so after graduation. Fashion and finance will be my new part-time activity!

This year's University Theme explored CommUNITY: the places, spaces and ways we come together in our diversity and unique outlooks. What key lesson about the importance of "community" have you learned that you'd like to share with other students and graduates?
Bay Path has instilled in me a strong sense of "sisterhood," demonstrated the value and importance of continued education, the strength and resilience of my fellow classmates (TAWC), and the duty of mentoring, encouraging, networking, and leading the women and men who will follow in our footsteps. One of my favorite sayings is "It takes a village..." As leaders and learners, we must be certain to lead, guide, and empower future leaders while continuing to support and uplift each other.

What was your most significant learning experience at Bay Path?
The WELL courses were reflective, inspiring, challenging, and eye-opening. Each class encouraged me to take inventory of my life choices and goals. The final project helped me to recognize and validate my "passion" as an empowered leader striving to make a change in my community for the better. My desire to teach financial literacy to high school students and other demographics who can benefit from the knowledge to improve their quality of life and financial standing was ignited through my final project. It gave me the desire and excitement to want to continue my education beyond my bachelor's degree. 

What advice do you have for incoming students?
The advice I would give to incoming students, traditional and online, is to be very conscious of time management and communicating with your professors. Especially for online students, let family and friends know what your educational goals are and the need for studying and homework completion without interruptions or distractions. Have a support system to pick up some necessary slack so that you can dedicate yourself to your classes. It's going to take discipline and sacrifice, but anything is possible with focus, hard work, and dedication. The professors and advisers are here to help you succeed; make sure you keep the lines of communication open and ask for assistance when needed.

What are you most looking forward to once you graduate?
Right now, I'm floating on Cloud 9! I am so proud to have finally accomplished this major goal and hopefully set a good example for my children. I want my youngest son, who is a high school junior, to really understand and see the value of continuing his education. I have to say that it's nice to have my weekends back! Now it's time to take this degree and find the "final" position of my career before retirement. 

Will you be working after graduation? If so, what will you be doing?
As a "seasoned" graduate, I have been working since I was 14 years old. I am currently employed in the banking industry and have been looking at different job opportunities that are now at my disposal because of my bachelor's degree. I'm weighing my options and deciding when it may be a good time to change positions or perhaps careers. I want any changes I make to be on my terms, in my time. 

Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Don't let setbacks or stumbles discourage you. Sometimes we have to go back and adjust the game plan and use Plan B or Plan C. Change does not equal failure. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and study harder for the next lesson or class. Enjoy the journey, 'cause you're in for a great educational ride and when it stops, the sense of accomplishment and reward is great!