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.

PeerForward Alumni Jordan Dunston is the epitome of a Morehouse Man! As a first-generation college student, he truly made the most out of his time on campus. Throughout his 4 years, he made countless achievements both academic and career wise. Back in 2021, Jordan completed his Peer Leader Workshop with his fellow team members from Oxon Hill High School. Now, he is graduating with honors, Suma Cum Laude – Howard Thurman Honors Program, and a B.A. in Business Administration with a Management Concentration from Morehouse College. We are so proud to have seen his growth over the years and to witness him achieve this major milestone. We reached out to learn more about his college experience and what it means for him to earn this degree:   

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

Earning this degree means far more to me than receiving a diploma. It represents the fulfillment of a dream that began long before I stepped onto the campus of Morehouse College. As a first-generation college graduate, this degree is a symbol of perseverance, faith, and the sacrifices my family made to provide me with opportunities they did not have.

This degree validates years of hard work, late nights, challenges, and personal growth. It reflects my commitment to excellence and my determination to make the most of every opportunity I was given. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration is proof that with consistency and belief in yourself, ambitious goals can become reality.

More importantly, this degree represents a foundation for the future. It opens doors to new opportunities, including my upcoming role in The Boeing Company’s Human Resources Career Foundation Program, and positions me to continue growing as a leader and professional. It also gives me the ability to create generational impact by supporting my family, mentoring others, and serving as an example for students who may be wondering whether they can achieve similar goals.

To me, earning this degree is both a personal accomplishment and a responsibility. It is a reminder that my success is not just for me, but for everyone who invested in me and for those who will be inspired to pursue their own educational dreams. 

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

PeerForward played a foundational role in my postsecondary journey by giving me the confidence, mentorship, and guidance I needed to believe that college was possible as a first-generation student. The program helped me navigate the college application process and taught me the importance of resilience, goal setting, and paying it forward.

Throughout my time at Morehouse College, the lessons I learned through PeerForward continued to motivate me. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing students I encouraged to join PeerForward succeed in their own educational paths and thank me for introducing them to the program. 

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 a major role in helping me achieve my educational goals by creating an environment where excellence was the standard. At Morehouse College, I was surrounded by ambitious and talented students who were earning scholarships, leading organizations, securing internships, and striving to make a meaningful impact. Watching their dedication inspired me to push myself further and reminded me that success was attainable through consistency, discipline, and faith.

They also provided encouragement during challenging moments. Whether we were studying together, discussing career goals, or simply reminding one another to stay focused, my peers helped me remain motivated and confident in my abilities. Their support showed me the value of community and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

In return, I worked to be a source of encouragement and guidance for others. As President of the Campus Alliance for Student Activities (CASA), a Dean’s Student Ambassador, and a mentor to students navigating college and scholarship opportunities, I shared advice, celebrated others’ accomplishments, and helped create opportunities for growth. I also used my experiences as a first-generation student to reassure others that they were capable of achieving their goals, even when the path seemed uncertain. 

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

The biggest obstacle in my postsecondary education was learning to recognize and appreciate my small successes along the way. For a long time, I viewed every accomplishment as just another step toward a larger goal rather than taking time to celebrate the progress I was making. Whether it was earning a scholarship, making the Dean’s List, securing an internship, or taking on a leadership role, I often moved immediately to the next objective without acknowledging what I had already achieved.

Over time, I realized that these smaller victories were not insignificant, they were evidence that I was growing and moving in the right direction. By intentionally celebrating each milestone, I built greater confidence in myself and developed a stronger sense of gratitude for how far I had come. This shift in perspective helped me stay motivated, reduced unnecessary pressure, and allowed me to enjoy the journey rather than focusing only on the destination. 

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

I choose to serve as a PeerForward Alumni because I understand firsthand how life-changing guidance, mentorship, and access to opportunity can be for first-generation and underrepresented students. As a first-generation college graduate from Morehouse College, I know how important it is to have people who encourage you, help you navigate the college process, and remind you that your goals are possible.

Throughout my journey, I have been blessed with mentors, scholarship programs, and leadership opportunities that helped shape who I am today. Because of that, I feel a responsibility to give back and help the next generation of students believe in themselves and pursue higher education with confidence.