On December 11th 2021, Midwestern State University hosted its Fall 2021 graduation ceremony. Dominican national, Kristel Richards, was among the graduates who successfully completed an undergraduate degree; closing yet another chapter of her academic journey.
Notably, Richards pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Environmental Science. Upon interview with Emonews, she expressed that the goal is to one day become a Metereologist, Geoscientist or Environmentalist. Thus, this degree brings her one step closer to attaining her dream occupation.
Moreover, she expressed that she is beyond blessed to have achieved this milestone. “I am still in disbelief. I prayed for this moment but even with prayer there was work to be done. I trusted myself with every course. Disappointments came but that was part of the game. I literally feel blessed to have made it,” she voiced.
Furthermore, Richards added that one of the challenges was having to navigate through labs and the excessive workload for Chemistry, Physics and Biology, particularly during the Covid-19 climate. “I wished the clock would move slower or faster on some days. I had classes during the day and work at nights. Most times after work I would have to stay up longer to complete lab work after coming home at 11:00 pm,” she noted. Nonetheless, she advised that making schedules and keeping to those schedules is very important to a student’s success.
In addition, she thanked her family for being a stable support system during her studies. “Thank you to my mom and sisters. Each of them seemed to be a push button for every situation I went through. There were friends and family members who always checked on me especially during exam time since that’s when they seldom heard from me,” she expressed. She also made special mention to all the Dominican students who journeyed with her especially Dierra Green and Marlycus Jno Baptiste.
Richards indicated that she would like to give back to her country in the near future. “I would like to further my studies soon, so that I will be ready for whatever Dominica needs in and out of my field of study,” she articulated.
She advised potential students to stay positive and work hard. “Go for it! The work is not hard; you just never saw it before. Ask questions, voice your opinions, make friends and be vigilant. Help is always there do not be afraid to reach out. Press as hard as you can, then walk that stage as proud as you should,” she encouraged.
It is noteworthy that not every academic journey is going to be easy. However, it is worthwhile. The key is to keep going no matter the circumstances and that is exactly what Richards did. She conquered.
