Marmora Graduate Overcomes Loss and Gains Newfound Confidence at Atlantic Cape

Gabriella Wyand, 21, of Marmora, graduates from Atlantic Cape Community College with an associate degree in communication and plans to attend a four-year college to continue on her path of higher education. In five years, she hopes to be working in television.

The biggest challenge Wyand faced during her time at Atlantic Cape was dealing with the loss of her mother. Through the support of her family and friends, she was able to persevere and also figure out the path of study she wanted to focus on.

“I took many classes that could have sparked an interest, but none did until I took Intro to Mass Media and I knew right then that communication is what I wanted to major in,” Wyand remarked.

“I have had so many great opportunities at Atlantic Cape. Being a part of Student Government and the Communication Club has opened up many doors and I have made many great friends through them. I was able to go to Washington, D.C. for SGA and also be a part of the Communication Awards.”

Wyand was vice president of the Student Government Association. She also spoke about finding a new kind of confidence, both academically and personally, during her time at community college.

When asked what her philosophy for success was, she said, “Success does not just happen. It takes time and hard work to achieve it and a good support system. You need to surround yourself with people that want to see you succeed so you have someone to share your success with.”

“Graduating from Atlantic Cape means that I have done everything I needed to do to get to a place where I have bettered myself. I have achieved something that is intended for me to do what I love and make my family proud,” she concluded.