“It has been rough, but I have finally made it, and I cannot imagine not having my degree.”

• Ryan and Nick Johnston, Merging Majors: Business blends students’ talents
• Rich Smith, Nursing Student/Security Ambassador
• Gino Odeh, Mobile Mechanic
• Dave Himmelman and Jared Baxter, Surveying Grads
• Suzanne Muraco, From student to Instructor
• Dustin Holloway, Breathing Easier
• Jon and Brian Kirkpatrick, Father and Son Graduation
• Masana Nama, In a Hurry
• Maria Scott, Hands-On Learning
• Jake Dillman, Designing a Future
• Bicentennial Bakers, Representing Columbus State at the Celebration
• Adrien Cavin, Communicator
• Jessica Vera-Bennett, Future Teacher
• Lawrene Dolengowski, Skills to Advance
• Ruby Edwards-Thomas, Miss Black Ohio USA
• Allie Stratton, Taking the Stage
• Arica Cunningham, Persistence
• Wendy Jenkins, Finding Her Way
• Daniel Ledden, Seeing Results

Arica Cunningham graduated Dec. 14 with an associate degree in Business Management. Here, she tells her Columbus State story in her own words.

I started at Columbus State right out of high school in the Autumn 2009 quarter. At my current employer I was promoted in 2010, where I became a full-time employee as well as a full-time student.

It was hard, very hard. I ended up taking a couple quarters off before I realized I needed to continue with school in order to have a successful future. It has been rough but I have finally made it, and I cannot imagine not having my degree.

My next goal will be to move into the corporate office at my current employer. It is my next step and the only thing standing in my way is my degree. I am continuing my education at Franklin University beginning in January 2012.

I am proud of myself and very thankful for my family and friends for sticking by me and pushing me to get my degree.

Columbus State makes getting an education easy. It offers affordable pricing, great transfer options and easy scheduling. I am very pleased to have attended Columbus State.