In just three months, hundreds of students from American International College will walk across the graduation stage with large smiles and great faith.

Their journey here at this small liberal arts school would have been accomplished and finally over. One of the largest accomplishments of a lifetime, these seniors will walk up and step down with a white slip that promises them amazing futures.

Although many students can’t predict where the future can take them, they know that after graduating there will certainly be opportunities. Wither it’s graduate school, a career path, or simply moving to a new location away from family and friends for the first time ever – it’s all there waiting.

John Mbengam, a member of the men’s soccer team and president of the growing organization Power, is a Political Science major and a person who always seems to be on top of his priorities. He wants to the take a year off after graduation this spring, get a good job with salary and work to prepare for law school in the future.

In the meantime he will be studying for his LSAT and expanding on larger moves for the future.

“My goal is to make myself and family proud,” Mbengam said. “It’s a great accomplishment to call myself a graduate with a diploma. It’s a milestone in what the future has in store for this bright young man.”

“The essence of the independent mind lies in not what you think, but in how it thinks,” he added, quoting the late Christopher Hitchens

Mbengam added that he believes what you think doesn’t really matter; it’s how we go about thinking of it which will verify the ways it’s interpreted.

Graduating college is a major breakthrough in many students’ lives. Walking across the stage proud of reaching their goals and achievements changes everything about the student from the point on.

College is a huge stepping-stone for life achievements and future goals. The biggest part of the adventure is trying to figure out who you are as a person and what it is that you value. The hardest part is finding a career path and taking this final leap into adulthood.

Melika Jackson, co-president of Co President of and PRIDE and president of SAB, is a thriving and well-known senior here at American International College, being a part of student government and a large piece on community atmosphere. She has changed the dynamic of AIC in so many ways in such a short amount of time.

Looking forward to attending graduate school and receiving her PH.D in the future, Melika is excited about following her dreams.

She aspires to have her own law firm in health care one day, and be able to give back to her community and the people who supported her throughout the many trials and tribulations of her life.

“It’s important to never give up, and to always follow your dreams,” she said.

Many students have a different past, but it’s always good to remember how good the future will be in you stay focused. One day you may be able to tell your story to someone who could use that advice as a positive and influential force.