With graduation season upon us, we at PeerForward want to take the time to celebrate some of our amazing Alumni for their postsecondary education accomplishments.

As a first-generation college student, PeerForward Alumni Jemimah Tchabong made big waves on campus! This spring, she graduated from Stevenson University with a B.S. in computer information systems and a minor in psychology. While pursuing her degree, she held multiple leadership roles in her campus’s Women of Resilience, Tenacity, and Humility (WORTH) Club, acted as a tutor, received scholarships, made the dean’s 4 times, and more! Jemimah was a 2021 Peer Leader who returned as a member of our Alumni Support Team in 2023 to guide the next generation of Peer Leaders. To witness her growth has been amazing, and we are so proud to see her achieve this major milestone that is earning a college degree. We reached out to learn more about her college experience and what it means for her to complete this next step in her postsecondary education journey: 

What does it mean to you to earn this degree/certification?

Earning this degree means more to me than just receiving a diploma. It represents years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth. While I am proud of this accomplishment for myself, I am equally proud to have achieved it for my family, whose sacrifices, support, and guidance paved the way for me to be where I am today. This degree is a reflection of the opportunities they helped create and the determination I had to make the most of them. It serves as a reminder that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to, even when the path feels challenging. Graduating is not only the completion of one chapter, but also a testament to the power of believing in myself and continuing to pursue my goals with confidence.

What role did PeerForward play in seeing you through your education journey?

PeerForward played a significant role in my educational journey by providing guidance, support, and a sense of community during a time when I was preparing for college. As a Peer Leader in 2021, I was introduced to valuable information about financial aid, scholarships, and the college process that expanded my understanding of higher education. Before participating, I believed that paying for college was something I would have to navigate entirely on my own. Through PeerForward, I learned about resources and opportunities that made college feel more accessible and achievable. The alumni and staff also created a welcoming environment that emphasized the value of education and encouraged me to pursue my goals with confidence. Later, as an alumni volunteer during a summer workshop in 2023, I had the opportunity to give back by sharing the same knowledge, encouragement, and support that had once been provided to me. Being able to help guide other students made the experience especially meaningful and allowed me to see the lasting impact of PeerForward firsthand.

How did your friends/peers influence, inspire, or motivate you to achieve your educational goals? How did you do the same for others?

My friends and peers played an important role in helping me stay motivated throughout my educational journey. Whether it was checking in on me during stressful times, encouraging me to get involved on campus, or supporting me as I stepped outside of my comfort zone, they reminded me that I did not have to navigate college alone. Being introduced to new experiences and opportunities helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it allowed me to build meaningful connections along the way. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to put myself out there, explore my interests, and make the most of my college experience.

In return, I tried to support others in the same way. I believe that sometimes the most impactful thing you can do for someone is simply be present. Whether it was offering encouragement, listening when someone needed support, or helping others feel included, I aimed to create the same sense of community and belonging that my friends provided for me.

What was the biggest obstacle to you obtaining your degree and how did you overcome it?

The biggest obstacles I faced while pursuing my degree were adjusting to college life and navigating personal loss. During my freshman year, I struggled with being homesick and questioned whether attending a four-year university right after high school was the right decision. I was not performing well academically and even considered transferring or starting over elsewhere. Over time, I learned to take things one step at a time and realized that many students were facing similar challenges. As I became more involved on campus and found my footing, I gained confidence in my ability to succeed and improved both academically and personally.

Another significant challenge came during my junior year when I lost my paternal grandmother. Her passing occurred during a demanding academic period while I was preparing for exams, and I was unable to attend her funeral. Balancing grief with my responsibilities as a student was incredibly difficult. While loss is not something that can simply be overcome, I found motivation in continuing my education and honoring her memory. Sharing her name as my middle name made earning this degree feel even more meaningful, and it became one of the reasons I remained determined to keep moving forward despite the challenges I faced.

Why do you choose to serve as a PeerForward Alumni or stay connected to PeerForward?

I choose to stay connected to PeerForward because of the impact it had on my own educational journey. Participating in the Peer Leader Workshop opened my eyes to opportunities in higher education that I had never considered before and gave me valuable knowledge that helped me navigate the college process. Serving as part of the PeerForward team allowed me to give back to a program that played an important role in my success. It is incredibly rewarding to see students become excited about their futures and begin to recognize the possibilities available to them, just as I did when I was in their position. I continue to stay connected because I enjoy seeing the positive impact PeerForward has on students and communities, and I value being part of an organization that encourages and empowers young people to pursue their educational goals.