We’re closing out this week with a graduation spotlight! Today we’re celebrating Alumni Maulana Jenkins for graduating with her B.S. in criminal justice from University of Maryland Global Campus! We reached out to learn more about her college experience, what role PeerForward played in her journey, and how she stayed disciplined while pursuing her degree:
What does it mean to you to earn this degree/certification?
Earning my degree was not only an accomplishment for my ancestors and family who sacrificed so much for me to succeed, but also a testament that I can trust myself. In life, there are so many people trying to tell you what the best and safest thing is to do. My degree and the unique way I carried out completing my degree reassured me that I can trust my vision and feelings about some things despite others’ opinions. God gave me my opportunities for a reason, and I can decide what I want no matter how odd it may seem to other people.
What role did PeerForward play in seeing you through your postsecondary education journey?
PeerForward provided me with the representation and confidence to carry out a degree despite having an untraditional career path. Being surrounded by people of color actively pursuing or having had pursued higher education degrees inspired me tremendously. Nothing is ever out of reach, and there is provided support in my endeavors.
How did your friends/peers influence, inspire, or motivate you to achieve your educational goals? How did you do the same for others?
Completing my bachelor’s degree online and associate’s degree in community college forced me to foster my own community outside of school. My closest friends have given me space to have fun, try new things, and explore my interests outside of school. The creation of that safe environment pushed me to be self-disciplined and learn to balance it all, especially since I worked during my entire undergrad degree. In addition, being surrounded by friends who are also pursuing higher education, entrepreneurial endeavors, or their own creative pursuits pushed me to do the same.
What was the biggest obstacle to your postsecondary education, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle I overcame during my postsecondary education was burn out. Being in a self-disciplined program where I had to create a routine for my schoolwork made me somewhat miserable. I was not interested in my coursework and prioritized socializing over completing my work despite the consistent anxiety surrounding it. In order to overcome this, I created a weekly schedule that prioritized self-care and breaks from school as well. Self-care being going to the gym, friend dates, outdoor activities, and other decompressing experiences. I would have days in my week where I focus on schoolwork only and others where I didn’t open my laptop at all. This helped me create balance and reduce stress because I had a plan instead of constantly procrastinating.
Why do you choose to serve as a PeerForward Alumni?
I chose to serve as a PeerForward Alumni because, as a student and alumni, the program provided me the confidence to be vulnerable not only to myself but others as well. In that vulnerability, I found strength and a way to positively impact other people. Community empowerment and impact are very important to me, therefore driving the work that I do.
Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
