Masters in Applied Statistics

Yesterday, I graduated with my Masters of Science in Applied Statistics from Grand Valley State University. I thank God for carrying me through this experience and my family and friends that supported me through the challenges. I recognize that while this accomplishment has my name on it, I share it with the many hands that poured into me over the course of my life. Thank you!

Before graduating from Fort Valley State University back in May of 2022, I started an online Statistics class as a pre-requisite to the Masters program. There was about a month transition from the graduation that I spent at my Mom’s house. Instead of getting a job, I gave plasma while going to my class virtually for the 4 weeks I had. As I hopped on the plane with my three suitcases and backpack to Grand Rapids, Michigan, I remember feeling like this was what I was always supposed to do.

The summer of 2022 came with its challenges; managing and online class at a new institution, mentoring for a summer program full of first time college students, and navigating an environment and region different than what I was accustomed to. I remember our first move out day as we transitioned from our summer housing in Allendale to downtown Grand Rapids. I’ll never forget driving a U-Haul through the pouring rain to get my peers and my self’s belongings. Additional shout out to my siblings who drove to Michigan and back in 2 and a half days just to bring my stuff that I had left back in Georgia.

Fall begins and it gets real. Three classes on two different campuses using a statistical software I had very little experience with compared to my peers. Add to that a graduate assistantship of 20 hours a week with Federal TRiO programs advising first generation college students. Grad school is and was another level. While it was less work in terms of assignments; the intensity and intentionality to succeed was cranked up steps higher than before. Even still I guess that challenge wasn’t enough for me and I decided to get a concussion while playing basketball. I had to recover, but yet I continued. I remember doing pretty poorly on my first big assignment after I thought I had given enough effort, I was shocked at my score. I connected with the professor and I took on a more proactive approach to understand the needs of the assignments moving forward. Though I struggled I completed the semester with all A's.

Many of you asked when I said I was going to Michigan, “Are you ready for the cold?” And after two winters the answer is a resounding “Of course I wasn’t!” The Michigan wind is a disrespectful bully that strips warmth through the layers, coats, boots, gloves, etc you use to fight against it. The clouds swallow the sun for weeks on end. The snow and ice consumes all. I remember the day the bus drifted as it was going down the hill. I am thankful for HVAC people and the many warm buildings of refuge.

Accompanying the Michigan Winter, was my third semester which was the hardest of my entire experience. Three 600 level statistics courses with the star of the show “Survival Analysis.” I remember thinking I wasn’t going to survive the class. I was overwhelmed and I was discouraged. I remember being late with an assignment that affected the whole class and I was so embarrassed. Most of that time was really a blur of fighting daily to understand the material, but yet I survived. I was now at the half way point and I knew I had what it took to finish this degree.

The summer of 2023 was filled with a wonderful internship with National Heritage Academies, that more than fulfilled the internship requirement for my program. I had the opportunity to develop my skills and see the true capabilities this degree I was working towards afforded to me. Another special shout out to Javier Guillén who has been a great support to me now through two degrees, who availed his car to me to go four days a week to my internship. He is the definition of sacrificial giving.

The Fall of 2023, I was back at it again with classes on three campuses. Mentally very rough because I built a schedule that wore me down. As I write this, I don’t remember much of the time. But alas, I did what needed to be done over and over again until the semester was completed.

After a time which felt so exhausting I faced my final semester. My will to continue has never been tested in such a way. See, what people don’t highlight enough is that life is still happening as well as school. The realities of transition smacked me right in the face and I spiraled through worry and anxiety daily. In these last weeks, I haven’t been able to sleep through the night with my thoughts racing. Thankfully, I have successfully landed this plane instead of crashing it. After the darkness, God delivered me to the light at end of the tunnel.

Now I hear my GVSU staff and faculty members asking, “Was it all bad?” No, I thank the professors that helped and challenged me. Though I am quite mentally exhausted at the moment, I know this experience was worth it. As evidence of this perspective, I have decided to move to the Grand Rapids area for the foreseeable future.

Before I close, I want to thank the HBCU Consortium, my peers, and VP Truss. This pipeline program was really the catalyst to me taking the opportunity of grad school seriously. Without vision and trailblazers, this accomplishment doesn’t happen! I’m thankful for all the rides and study sessions through my time at GVSU.

Thank you to TRiO Federal Programs, Dr. G, Linda, Raven, and my other associates in STU 200. Thank you to Dr. G and Linda who took a chance on me, and Raven who would not leave me alone until she knew how I was doing. There is something special about having a positive place to work where you impact the lives of others. Advising is hard especially when you feel you can’t reach the people that need you the most. Nevertheless, I know the folks in STU 200 do their best to help as many students as possible.

Thank you to "The Rest” and Pastor Gaddy. My new found family became a place of spiritual transformation and support through this process. It’s so crazy to think that by coming to serve the church, the church served me back even more. And Pastor Darryl Gaddy, man! If you don’t know this brother you need to! He is a faithful man of God and I have watched him stick to his word and serve and serve and serve. I’m thankful for coming to know him and that he was sensitive enough to the spirit to come and talk to me first out of a whole room of people. To Pastor Gaddy, Your wisdom and leadership has guided me further as a man, even as I type this I am benefiting off the blessings pouring from you.

And then there is my heart, the love of my life and the women I would die for (Not time for vows yet). My beautiful and intelligent fiancée Shannon Elaine Smith was there through it all. Even though I was going away to Michigan she saw it fit for us to maintain a relationship long distance. She has gone months without seeing me, but this never stopped her support. She is the type of woman who stays up with you doing statistical assignments until 11:59 pm over FaceTime and encourages you when you want to quit. She made time to proofread without asking. She was there through every up and down moment. To my love, I don’t deserve you! You are a phenomenal woman.

In closing, God does not give all the instructions at the beginning of a journey. If he did that amount of information would overwhelm you. He just tells you to go and he brings everything you need right on time. I am and will continue to be a Kingdom Kid. My favor is uncommon and I will not keep secret how good the God I serve is. Though you may not currently believe or understand. He’s present in every moment and he wants to build a relationship with you. I pray you accept him in your heart. God Bless!