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When Alyse Giffin decided to reenroll in college, her sister Erin McCloskey was right there to cheer her on.

鈥淭he day I reenrolled, she sent me an OU t-shirt,鈥� Alyse said. Over the years, it became a staple in her wardrobe鈥攕o much so that the logo wore off.

鈥淚 still have that shirt,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut now I have a degree to go with it.鈥�

Giffin, who is from South Point, Ohio, graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management. With the support of her advisor, Sarah Blazier, she found a program that built on her existing education and aligned with her career goals.

She currently serves as director of family and youth ministries at Calvary Episcopal Church in Ashland, a role she loves and intends to continue.

鈥淭his degree makes it possible to continue my work with others in the community in stronger roles if that is where I鈥檓 called,鈥� she said. 鈥淔or now, it is an accomplishment that I am proud of.鈥�

Her time at brought unexpected growth鈥攂oth personal and professional.

鈥淚鈥檝e realized through adversity you can accomplish great things and be truly proud of what you have done,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hile life skills are often learned through experience, education helps those skills flourish and gives you a leg up when it matters.鈥�

One of her proudest moments came full circle in a class she nearly dropped early on.

鈥淚 was afraid of failing,鈥� she admitted. 鈥淣ot only did I not fail, but later I was asked to come back and help facilitate the class. Now, I help other students keep calm and continue to achieve their dream.鈥�

She credits Associate Professor Michael Schor as a key influence on her journey.

鈥淢r. Schor鈥檚 classes were never easy, but they were fair. Assignments weren鈥檛 there to trick you, they were there to teach you,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e let you know you could accomplish things on your own or with help鈥攂ut you would get there. That is what a true teacher does.鈥�

Giffin has faced her share of challenges, but she learned an important lesson along the way.

鈥淎ll adversity, no matter the size, can halt you if you allow it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of what I鈥檝e accomplished and what I can show my daughter鈥攊t鈥檚 never too late, and you can.鈥�

Her message to new students is one of patience and persistence.

鈥淒on鈥檛 feel the need to rush. If something is pushing you away from getting a degree, know that you can accomplish it,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out to fellow students and teachers for help.鈥�

As she prepares to graduate, Giffin sees this achievement as a symbol of confidence and possibility. 鈥淏eing an OHIO graduate means feeling accomplished, secure, and prepared for whatever comes next.鈥�