Awwal A. Alli

Lagos, Nigeria

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

What was your major (or field of study), and why did you choose it? 

Nursing. I chose nursing because it creates a pathway to my goals while allowing me to provide culturally competent care. 

What does graduating mean to you and your family?

It is a surreal experience being that I haven't visited my family and vice versa in six years. We have certainly come a long way. Looking back, words cannot even begin to explain how we made it this far, but one thing is for sure, if we didn't begin questioning God when times were hard, we would not begin now.

In what ways have you changed throughout your experience at Delta State?

For one, my academic knowledge in the healthcare field has expanded significantly. I was provided with a rich social experience that helped me grow as a person. Meeting people from diverse cultures also helped broaden my perspective and interpersonal skills. Lastly, and this is corny to say but I came in without a beard/mustache and will be leaving with one. 

What was your favorite thing to do on campus? Or a favorite memory?

My favorite thing to do on campus was to work out during my spare time. 

What song will always remind you of this time in your life?

"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay

What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?

I will be taking my boards in a few weeks to begin working as an ICU nurse in Tennessee. The goal is to become a CRNA and with this, I am one step closer. 

Hannah James

Grantham, England, UK

Master of Science in Natural Sciences - Biology

What was your major (or field of study), and why did you choose it?

Graduated with BS in Biology in Fall 22 at DSU, then preceded to do Master’s of Natural Science – Biology for anticipated graduation date of Fall 23. Chose the Biology field because I’ve always been interested in the sciences and just preferred to do Biology when I came here.

What does graduating mean to you and your family?

It means a lot, especially with having a master’s as no one in my family has got a master’s degree in anything, now I can say I’m the smartest in the family.

In what ways have you changed throughout your experience at Delta State?

I’ve definitely matured a lot and learned to be more open-minded since being out here and experiencing a different culture. Also, my cooking skills have improved a lot since being out here.

What was your favorite thing to do on campus? Or a favorite memory?

My favorite memory was being part of the soccer team my freshmen year when we qualified for the GSC tournament for the first time. It was massive and felt ecstatic. Also, scoring an overtime golden goal winner that year was amazing, I will never forget that.

What song will always remind you of this time in your life?

"17" by MK, it has been my number 1 game day song to get me prepped and ready for soccer games.

What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?

I will work at Mississippi State University Extension Centre in Stoneville, Mississippi on OPT to study bees and learn beekeeping for awhile. Then eventually I would like to coach soccer at a collegiate level.

Lucia Chacon Habis

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Master of Business Administration

What was your major (or field of study), and why did you choose it?

My major is a Master in Business Administration. I chose this degree because it is a great tool to have for multiple fields. I think this degree will help me become a well rounded individual in future jobs. 

What does graduating mean to you and your family?

Having graduated is a great opportunity, as not many get to have two degrees from an American university. It is definitely a privilege and both my family and I are very thankful for it. 

In what ways have you changed throughout your experience at Delta State?

I have grown as a leader and as a human, I have gained experience in the real world that has prepared me for my future, and I have increased my understanding on different cultures. 

What was your favorite thing to do on campus? Or a favorite memory?

My favorite thing to do on campus was to compete in athletics next to a great group of friends that I will forever hold near to my heart. I enjoyed working out at the Drogan Center and will miss being able to participate in competitive sports. 

What song will always remind you of this time in your life?

The DSU fight song for sure. My friends and I would sing our hearts out after every football win. 

What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?

I plan on completing OPT and then transitioning into a full time job at the University of Louisiana Monroe in the athletics department. 

Arturo Riestra Torrejon

Andorra la Vella, Andorra

Bachelor of Business Administration

What was your major (or field of study), and why did you choose it?

Business. I want to be an entrepreneur.

What does graduating mean to you and your family?

It means discipline for me and I guess for my family means that I’m able to achieve my goals.

In what ways have you changed throughout your experience at Delta State?

I guess I become better person and I learn more about USA culture . 

What was your favorite thing to do on campus? Or a favorite memory?

Favorite memories would be related with soccer always. 

What song will always remind you of this time in your life?

"Freed From Desire" by Gala after winning soccer games.

What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?

I want to start my own business in the USA and start my life here.

Martina Rossetti

Rome, Italy

Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing

What was your major (or field of study), and why did you choose it?

I am a Marketing major, I chose it because I have always been interested in studying business in general, and marketing combines my passion for business and creativity. The thing that probably attracted me the most is the need of constantly innovate.

What does graduating mean to you and your family?

Graduation means a lot to my family, it’s a way for me to say thank you to my parents for all their sacrifices.

In what ways have you changed throughout your experience at Delta State?

During my years at Delta State I grew immensely. I became independent, stronger, and more mature. Delta State gave me the biggest opportunities to be involved and that changed me forever. Being involved in Student Government made me grow incredibly as well. I have learnt to speak up, how to be a leader, and I have learnt to overcome my insecurities.

What was your favorite thing to do on campus? Or a favorite memory?

My favorite memory is the swim conference my freshman year. We had so much fun, and it was the first time I felt like part of a family in the US.

What song will always remind you of this time in your life?

The song that will always remind me about this place is definitely “I want it that way” by the Backstreet Boys. This song will always remind me of Delta State because of how many times we screamed it during practice all together.

What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?

My plan is to start my MBA next semester here at Delta State and finish it online from home.

Congzhi "Vollerie" Zhu

Hangzhou, China

Master of Business Administration - CIS

What was your major (or field of study), and why did you choose it?

I'm graduating from an MBA program with a concentration in CIS. My work experience has interested me in CIS, but my undergrad didn't prepare me for it, so I chose to explore this area.

What does graduating mean to you and your family?

As a first-generation Master's graduate, my accomplishment is a huge step for me and my family.

In what ways have you changed throughout your experience at Delta State?

I'm now more knowledgeable about CIS, especially the data warehouse topic. I got to experience a very different Delta culture and even picked up some Southern accents.

What was your favorite thing to do on campus? Or a favorite memory?

Volunteering and participating in different cultural events to learn more about other cultures while sharing my own, especially the Moon Festival.

What song will always remind you of this time in your life?

It's a whole genre of deep southern blues.

What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?

Maybe stick around for a bit and then move on to the bigger cities to experience a different culture.