By Emily Hawxwell
Dante Rosado is a second-semester sophomore at William Peace University, who has undergone a major academic and personal transformation since arriving on campus.
In his first semester, he struggled with motivation and engagement due to personal challenges. Known in the past for being somewhat lazy, Rosado had a history of fluctuating between excellent and poor grades throughout high school. That pattern followed him into college, where he initially struggled to focus and apply himself.
However, after a period of reflection, he decided to take control of his academic journey. Determined to stop holding himself back, he committed to turning things around.
Now, just one semester later, Rosado is maintaining straight A’s and embracing a new level of discipline and purpose in his studies.
Rosado reflects on how he has overcome challenges and the sense of belonging he has found at Peace.
Q.) What’s your major and why did you choose it?
A.) My major is SGD [Simulation and Game Design]. I found I enjoy both technical and creative work, and SGD fulfills that niche while also being a rapidly growing industry. It’s difficult, but not impossible work, and I like myself a good challenge.
Q.) Who at Peace has made the most profound impact on you?
A.) The first person who comes to mind is Gay Lytton. I went to her with my struggles, and we made an academic support plan and put it into action right away. We had an accountability partner program that I still use with my friends at other universities to this day. I encourage all students facing executive dysfunction or trepidation regarding assignments to go to Gay and form a support plan like I did.
Q.) Which courses have been the most engaging and why?
A.) Intro to Criminal Justice with Beth Kusko was the most fun I have ever had in a university course, particularly the ending Hunt a Killer assignment. The hands-on team building experience was everything I could have dreamed of and reminded me why my first choice of major was Psychology with a focus in Forensic Science. Discussion posts were engaging and fun to answer in my own words.
Q.) What about your sophomore year at Peace has been the most enjoyable so far? For new Sophomores, what are you looking forward to about your second year at Peace?
A.) LDOC [Last Day of Class] last semester was a blast. I had fun with friends and could finally relax knowing that my hard work really paid off. As for looking ahead, I hope to find some more extracurricular activities to involve myself in.
Q.) What is your favorite food at the Peace Dining Hall?
A.) The baozi dumpling from last semester’s taste of Asia lunch event was amazing. I love pork buns.
Q.) What advice would you give incoming first-year students about college?
A.) A wise man once said, “It’s not about making time management look sexy. It’s about making disorganization look ugly.” That wise man was me. You can never make some of these skills fun, but you have to remember that the alternative is failure, and that was my motivation.
Q.) Was there an activity on campus where you found belonging? Which one, and what makes you feel that way?
A.) As a transfer from Wake Tech, I haven’t found much time for activities around campus in the traditional sense. However, I found belonging in everyday hangouts with my friends Kindred, Leila, and Royale. Organized activities aren’t a must, but you should always make time for others. It’s good for your health.
Q.) Thinking about your first year, what was a challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?
A.) I unfortunately was faced with a lot of loss last semester, and it really affected my performance and grades. Sometimes, things happen that are out of our control – and that’s okay. What’s important is collecting yourself properly before getting back up again. You can’t fight if you’re concussed.
Q.) Is there anything you would like to add?
A.) This one goes out to my buddies in App State and Drexel, who I’ll keep anonymous, and to anyone who needs to hear this, I promise it’ll be okay in the end. You have people cheering you on, no matter what.