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Gabrielle Hall, a Psychology major with a minor in Communications Arts from Lexington, N.C., first learned about JCSU through her high school’s band program in the 90s. After high school, though, Hall joined the military and raised her children as a single parent. She decided to pursue her own degree at JCSU after putting each of her children through college and becoming an empty nester.

“It’s been quite the journey of self-discovery for me,” she said. “Through facing challenges head-on, I have uncovered layers of resilience I never knew I had.”

Hall has been deeply involved in student life at JCSU. She serves on the Student Government Association (SGA) and is acting president of the Student Veterans of America. She has also served on the Debate Team; Pre-Alumni Council; Golden Bulls Adult Student Organization (GBASO); and has been inducted in the Alpha Mu Gamma Foreign Language, Psi Chi Psychology and Lambda Pi Eta Communication honor societies.

When asked what motivated her to get involved in student life, Hall said “Mariah Mitchell’s encouragement to run for an SGA position was the one moment” that changed her life as a student.

“To close the gap between traditional and nontraditional students, I was able to create a position that would better fit the needs of adult learners and nontraditional students on the SGA executive board,” she said.

Hall has also contributed heavily to research during her time at JCSU. Most recently, she worked with fellow students to research reparations for ������Ƶ.

She and her classmates teamed up with Dr. Laurie Porter initially to present a plan for JCSU to benefit from reparations to Erika Alexander, a television star and co-producer of “The Big Payback” PBS special.�� The special featured local government official Robin Rue Simmons’ fight for reparations in Chicago.

Hall credits Porter as well as Dr. Cheryl Curtis, Wanda Foy-Burroughs, Antia Dawkins, Charles Easley, Dr. Bryan Patterson, Dr. Debra Terrell, Dr. LaTacia Ruff and her fellow students for helping her along on her journey.

After graduation, Hall plans to spend time with her grandchildren while pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

“I have had the time of my life and am thankful to everyone who made that a reality,” she said.