Rhiannah’s Path to St. Joe’s
For Rhiannah White, the road to commencement has not been traditional. As a student veteran, she started her academic journey on active-duty orders by the Marine Corps before bringing her resilience, discipline and strong sense of purpose to St. Joseph’s University, New York.
Prior to her time at SJNY, White had built a strong foundation with her military and academic experiences.
“I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps right after high school and attended my first college courses while on active-duty orders (at Park University). After getting out of the military, I continued my college journey at National University in San Diego, CA, and eventually got my associates degree from the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, NV. Then, I transferred to SJNY in the spring of 2024,” White stated.
White chose the Brooklyn campus due to its close proximity to New York City and SJNY Assistant Dean Angela Diaz’s commitment to helping her achieve her goals.
“I chose St. Joseph’s originally because of Dean Diaz’s commitment to helping me achieve my academic goals and because of the school’s location. Everyone was very helpful and encouraging, which made me feel more confident and comfortable coming here as a full-time student,” said White.
Looking Back on St. Joseph’s Mentorship
Inside the classroom, White was impacted by all of her professors, but Dr. Thanos, Dean Diaz and Dr. Torz stood out the most.
“These professors have shown genuine care for me and are invested in my academic journey and future,” she continued.
Core Memories
Outside of the classroom, White spent most of her time with the Student Veterans Association and the book club, connecting with like-minded students and participating in campus events.
Rhiannah’s Inspiration
As she prepares to walk across the stage in less than two weeks, she is thinking about her family and the inspiration they gave her. White is looking forward to her future, where she aims to pursue a career in marketing, but also wants to expand her knowledge of business and hopes to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree.
While she is getting ready to pursue these dreams, White is reflecting on how impactful her academic journey at SJNY was to her confidence and readiness to take on the workforce.
“SJNY has helped me network with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, helped me prepare for career shifts and opportunities, and has given me the confidence I need to take chances in the workplace,” White concluded.
Advice to Students
“You get what you give; do your best!”
This story is part of OnCampus’ “Class of 2026 – Meet the Grads” series, focusing on the Class of 2026 at St. Joseph’s University, New York. To read more from this series, click here.
