Graduation season is officially here! We’re kicking off our grad spotlights with Rumeal Soler, a beloved member of our staff.
Education is a lifelong journey, and at PeerForward, our staff is encouraged to continue down this path. Rumeal has been acting as both a Program Coordinator at PeerForward and a student at SUNY Delhi. In May, he graduated with his AOS (Associate of Occupational Studies) degree in residential construction. This is a monumental achievement, and we could not be more proud! We caught up with Rumeal to discuss his experience pursuing this degree and what role PeerForward played in his journey:
What does it mean to you to earn this degree?
To me, earning this degree proves I can do anything I put my mind to long as I stay persistent and dedicated.
What role did PeerForward play in seeing your through your postsecondary education journey?
PeerForward inspired me go to school by seeing a spark in me when I couldn’t even see it in myself.
How did your friends/peers influence, inspire, or motivate you to achieve your educational goals? How did you do the same for others?
Ms. Renee, PeerForward’s Managing Director of Operations, was a huge influence for me during this journey. I’m truly grateful for everything she taught me. In order to inspire others the way she inspired me, I have tried to pass on the knowledge and support to each and every person I encounter. I believe in them, inspire them, and listen to their pain. I try to put myself in their shoes to give myself a new perspective.
Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
