#wearewillpower

“When I was younger, having the ability to play music in school was kind of like my escape. I want to be a teacher so that I can give that gift to students.”

When Benjamin Jeanty and his father, Duvinson, graduated from William Paterson yesterday, they became the first members of their family to earn college degrees. #WeAreWillPower

“My biggest triumphs and failures have been at William Paterson. Straight out of undergrad I was denied for a Ph.D. program. After that, I asked myself ‘Is this something you really want to do?’. The answer was yes. I reevaluated myself and reapplied two years later to the exact same program, and it was the only one I applied to. I got in.”

“I believe that what goes around comes around. I want to pass on the mentorship that put me in a better place. I learned to always be willing to teach people, help people, and guide people.”

“I’m proudest of being the first person in my family to graduate from college. I just wish my great grandmother could have seen it. When I went to get my diploma, I wore her rosary around my hand. So in a way, she was there when I received it.”

“When I entered my freshman year at William Paterson University, I was terribly shy and didn’t have the confidence to be myself. Fast forward two years and I am now a junior that has held leadership positions in clubs, attended multiple conferences, and serves in on-campus positions as a resident assistant and a social media coordinator. William Paterson has provided me with a space where I have been able to learn, grow and discover my authentic self. In high school, I never would have imagined that I would be able to accomplish even a fraction of the things that I have done here. From serving in leadership positions to pushing myself out of my comfort zone, William Paterson has given me the opportunity to be myself and follow my dreams.”

“Three weeks ago I graduated Summa Cum Laude from William Paterson University and was awarded Outstanding Senior in the Popular Music program. I learned so much about the music business from classes, club events, internships, and even a trip to Nashville for the Music Biz Conference. I enjoyed my time acting as the Music & Entertainment Organization secretary for two years at my school and making new friends and gaining hands-on skills at my internships. Yesterday, I started my first full-time job as a Quality Assurance Agent at the Harry Fox Agency. I am very excited for this new opportunity, and I cannot wait to learn even more about the music industry and provide value to my team, company, and our clients. I am very grateful to everyone who helped me along the way, from professors to managers to friends! I would not be here today without them.”

“I am grateful for the opportunities my program and the University has given me -- the ability to join a research team and be awarded a graduate assistantship have been unique aspects that have enhanced my graduate experience. In addition, I am honored to have gained research experience and be able to present in two research conferences. Above all, I am a proud daughter of immigrants, and first generation Latina grad 🇲🇽🎓”