Continued: Commencement
Rosa Jones
Rosa Jones is one of those graduates who understood the importance of continuing her education. The 51-year-old grandmother earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing Saturday from USC-Upstate. She started working as a certified nursing assistant and moved up to a licensed practical nurse. She then received her associate’s degree before deciding a few years ago to go back to school for her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“It’s always been my dream. It’s been an uphill battle sometimes, but I was determined to get my four-year degree,” said Jones, whose parents, children and grandchildren were there to watch her walk across the stage.
David Roughton
David Roughton of Wilmington, N.C., was graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. He was ready to hit the coast – and start his career.
“I’m planning to do something in the surfing field,” he said. “I had an internship in California this summer, making surfboards there, and really enjoyed it. I’d like to get involved in the clothing and retail side of surfing.”
Roughton’s mother is a graduate of USC’s pharmacy school and was instrumental in his decision to come to Columbia.
“She told me all about it, and I came here and saw the campus and I liked it,” he said. “I had an excellent, excellent time here.”