“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.”

“Looking back four years ago, I am happy that I made the decision to study Psychology, because I personally think it made me a better version of myself. I took advantage of being in the Cognitive Science Honors Track at the Honors college which granted me to do my own research and complete an undergraduate thesis. In addition, I was part of the Cognition, Memory and Development Lab with Dr. Learmonth where I gained research experience and attended research conferences. I was also granted the opportunity to be a Psychology Ambassador! Most importantly, I am an immigrant and the first in my family to obtain a college degree. Which is why, my degree is dedicated to my mom who made countless sacrifices for me to have a better life.”

“To William Paterson University, this is not really how I planned on leaving you, but I am a strong believer in everything happening for a reason. A huge thank you for giving me the best four years of my life. You have given me the greatest memories, the best friends I could ever ask for, and the kind of love that will last a lifetime. Most importantly, you have given me the confidence to be a great educator by allowing me to follow my dreams, find my true self, and continue my love for learning (yes... nerd). Grateful to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard, see ya soon Willy P 🧡🎓🏐🖤” 

“I’ve come a long way from the girl who would show up to school, get a cup of coffee and never really get around to making it to class. When I finally did commit I came back more focused than ever. Made my way through an associates while working and going to school full time, transferred to William Paterson during the start of a new job, and finally finished my last semester while seven months pregnant. To finally reach the end of this long road feels so surreal and I can’t thank my family and friends enough for sticking by my side and never doubting me even when I was ready to give up myself. I finally did it!”

“My William Paterson education has taken me to some incredible places; from studying abroad in England and interning in DC, to receiving acceptances from four PhD programs. I am forever thankful for the mentors, professors, and friends who have believed in me even when I doubted myself. I am ecstatic to call myself a WP alumna and a forever Pioneer!”

When I hear people say that the heart of William Paterson is “Will. Power.” I couldn’t agree more. I strongly believe that William Paterson gave me the power to keep dreaming, loving, and inspiring. Although my life has never been easy, I’ve never stopped working towards my education. I’ve experienced many negative people who disagree with my choices of attending college during an economic crisis. However, I strongly believe that education doesn’t have a time -- education should happen every day. Education is power and it takes Will. Power. to always keep striving for success. While attending William Paterson University, I plan to earn a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Elementary Education. As a first-generation student, I never imagined myself in a college environment. I’m truly thankful for William Paterson for giving me the Will. Power. and knowledge to overcome my obstacles. Just like a butterfly, I wish to flutter my wings and inspire others through my story. I believe anything is possible if you just keep flying.”

“Believing in yourself is the first step to success and William Paterson University instilled in me a tremendous confidence. I’ve learned that although some people will doubt or overlook over you, what’s crucial is that you continue to persevere. I am a finance and professional sales major who recently won the William Paterson University Pitch Tank competition and went on to represent the University at the state-wide U-Pitch NJ. I was honored to compete on behalf of William Paterson University as I had the confidence to go out and show the state that WP is a force to be reckoned with and success is our destiny! If you don’t believe in yourself, then who will? Go out and make your dreams a reality!”

Based off of this, you might think I was some kind of veteran at these competitions, right? Wrong. This past fall, I competed for the very first time in William Paterson's Professional Sales Challenge Triathlon. At first I was terrified and actually had to force myself to participate. But I knew I had to summon my Will. Power. and take the leap, and I was determined to be as prepared as possible. In advance of the competition, I joined the Professional Sales Club and enrolled in a Professional Sales class. My hard work paid off as WP gave me the opportunity to not only compete in the Triathlon, but to qualify to compete in the National Sales Challenge. The faculty and staff of William Paterson took me further. After qualifying, the faculty dedicated nine hours each week to train us for the competition. They didn't have to do this -- they were adding this to their regular schedules. But, because of their dedication, I gained the confidence to compete. And we won. All thanks to Will. Power.”