STATESBORO, Ga. () – Over 4,000 Georgia Southern graduates are turning the tassel this week, starting on Tuesday.

“I’m so excited it was a long journey, but God got me through it,” said Leticia Adjei, a nursing graduate.

Matthew Mcelroy a health studies graduate said, “It’s just a milestone has been reached and I’m very excited for what the future holds.”

They told , it doesn’t matter the length of anyone’s journey, just as long as they cross the finish line.

“I feel thrilled,” expressed public health graduate Anthony Johnson. “This is my first opportunity to walk across the stage. I missed the chance to do so in 2020, so it feels unique.”

Adjei shared, “I’m overjoyed to have made my family proud. They were my biggest supporters. They encouraged me and there were moments when I felt like giving up, but they helped me persevere, and now I can finally tell them I succeeded and thank them for their support.”

The graduates shared that they are leaving with definite plans. Some are returning to school to advance their education, while others are stepping directly into new careers.

“All the hard work, all the classes all the late-night studying everything like that it just feels great to finally be able to get the diploma and do something that I’m passionate about,” said Madelyn Peta, a graduate of communications science and disorders.

The celebrations continue Wednesday and Thursday at Paulson Stadium, then on Saturday on the Armstrong campus.