ORANGE PARK – For so many people, graduation from college is one of the most important and exciting days in life.

For students of St. Johns River State College, that day arrived on Thursday, Dec. 16. Students from across Northeast Florida gathered at the Thrasher-Horne Center of the Arts for the 2021 Fall Commencement ceremony.

Many of the graduates from SJR State are adults seeking higher education than what they started with in the job market. Students choose to take specific courses for certifications they need. And some pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree to push them towards the top of the list for job applications or internal promotions and job growth.

Korey Lebrasseur is a former nursing assistant who graduated from the SJR State College’s EMT Certificate program. Though Lebrasseur has been a nursing assistant for 21 years, her long-term goal has been to become a flight medic.

“Completing my EMT certification was the first stop on the way,” Lebrasseur says. “I’m continuing my degree program in the paramedic program. In 10 years, I see myself on a helicopter taking care of the critically ill.”

Two students were dual enrollment students. They completed the requirements for their high school diplomas alongside the requirements for their associate’s degree. Mallory Zike, a student at Fleming Island High, has just completed her associate's in arts transfer degree. After graduation from FIHS, she intends to transfer to Embry-Riddle University to study aeronautical engineering.

Katlyn Griffin from Middleburg High also completed her AA transfer degree and will transfer to Clemson University to study psychology.

Both graduates had similar things to say about the experience of studying at SJR, and the challenges and benefits it provided. Both mentioned flexible scheduling. “I enjoyed having the flexibility SJR State offered through their class selection. SJR State offered morning and night classes that better fit my schedule than high school classes did.” Griffin said.

Professor availability and flexibility also impacted both graduates immensely, with Zike commenting “I enjoyed being able to communicate easily with my professors and being able to speak with the staff when I have questions.”

The genuine care and interest that professors have for their students is something I heard echoed by all the graduates.

Morgan Harmon, a graduate and recipient of the Collier-Blocker Scholarship, said: “All the teachers and staff here are so friendly, understanding, and encouraging. They want you to succeed as much as you do. They provide help and support with smiling faces.”

The graduates were all driven and determined, especially recognizing the importance of accessible higher education. Scholarships, closeness to home, and affordable programs in a variety of subjects draw in students from Clay, Putnam and Baker counties to the Orange Park campus.

Many of them graduate with further clarity besides their further education. Lebrasseur continues to follow her dream of providing medical aid in high-pressure situations. Zike aims to earn a pilot’s license and take to the skies as a personal and commercial pilot. Griffin went into psychology at the recommendation of her professor Heather Milam and her experience taking human growth and development and psychology classes. Harmon plans to attend North Florida and earn her bachelor’s in business as she continues to write novels and poetry while starting her own entrepreneurial endeavors.

Despite the differences in the students’ projected career paths, one thing is clear. The chance to learn at SJR State College gave them the stepping stone they needed to push further and achieve their dreams. Education is the path to progress, and these graduates are shining examples of its importance.