Student Thankful for Support of USC Aiken Donors

Generous Gifts to University Make Her Dreams Come True

by Q'May Qourters

Aiken, SC (11/29/2019) — Editor's note: University of South Carolina Aiken Student Government Association Vice President Q'May Qourters shared the following sentiments with guests and donors during the university's annual Jingle and Jazz. This event recognizes USC Aiken's donors and supporters.

"My aspiration is become an obstetrician-gynecologist and to hopefully own my own practice.

"As many of you may know, I have a twin sister, Q'Ladrin, who also dreams of becoming a doctor; however, most of you may not know that we also have brother who is only a year and a half younger than we are.

"My mother has always encouraged us to [dream big] and to be the best that we can be, but coming from a single-parent household, my dreams sometimes felt like burdens.

"Being a single mother, raising twin daughters and a son is definitely not easy for our mom, but she never gave up.

"Never giving up was one of the most valuable lessons my mother has taught me.

"She laid my foundation, and USC Aiken is building my future.

"USC Aiken has been a blessing beyond measure.

"Not only does the university help me afford my dream, but it also gives me countless other opportunities.

"As a freshman, I became a chancellor ambassador.

"For those who may not know who we are, chancellor ambassadors are students who are interviewed and hand-selected to represent the chancellor and to advocate for the more than 3,700 students enrolled in the university.

"While we have myriad responsibilities and opportunities, we often engage our legislators and lawmakers on behalf of the university and student body.

"My sophomore year, I was accepted into Dr. Bill Jackson's undergraduate research lab, an opportunity many undergrads don't have on other campuses.

"Joining this research lab has helped me realize my full potential.

"When I walk into the lab and slide on those blue gloves, at that moment, I can see my dream coming true.

"At that moment, I can hear future patients calling me 'Dr. Qourters,' and it immediately gives me confidence.

"Moments like that make me proud to be a Pacer because I know that no other university could make me feel that way.

"This research lab is giving me an educational experience far beyond what I could ever have by simply sitting in a classroom, taking notes.

"In this lab, I gain hands-on experience, independence while in a research setting, and most of all, knowledge and relationships that will last forever.

"Not only is USC Aiken helping me as I navigate my career path, but it is also helping me develop remarkable relationships.

"My freshman and sophomore years, I was granted the opportunity of being a Pacesetter.

"Pacesetters are orientation leaders who are selected to welcome our freshman and transfer students.

"We are often the first students new Pacers ever meet.

"I decided to become a Pacesetter because of my own initial experience at USC Aiken.

"I visited several universities as a junior in high school, but the tour I took here at USC Aiken was important.

"This university and the people here are the only ones who remembered my name.

"They made feel like I mattered.

"I want to make others feel the same way.

"For this reason, I decided to get involved on campus.

"Currently, I am the vice president of the Student Government Association.

"I ran for this office because I wanted to serve my fellow Pacers and address the needs of every member of the student body and create very personal connections.

"Along with working with the student body, I work very closely with our very own, chancellor, Dr. Jordan, as her student assistant.

"Working in her office, by her side, has given me confidence as a woman, a student, and as a leader.

"I am so grateful to have been offered this opportunity.

"This university has blessed my family tremendously, and I owe it all to the generosity of each of you here tonight.

"Without your generosity, my dreams would still feel like burdens.

"Everything given to this university is truly a gift to my family.

"I can't think of a better way to celebrate this special season, the season of giving, than by saying 'thank you.'

"From my family - and the bottom of my heart -- thank you all for all you do for this university and students like me."

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