College is a transformative journey that pushes students to grow in ways they never expected. For many, the most rewarding moments aren't just academic accomplishments, but the personal growth, meaningful relationships, and life skills gained outside the classroom. Hear from some of our recent graduates as they reflect on their time at Salem State and the experiences that have shaped their journeys.
"I am most proud of the growth I have experienced as an overall person here at Salem State. The classes have intellectually challenged me, while the community has supported me. That combination has helped foster my individuality, which I know will help me make a difference in this world and share my light with others!"
- Rebecca Jules
"I fell in love with education, and I also lost 100 pounds in my four years spent here!"
- Emma Lohnes
"I am most proud of the opportunities and new experiences I have taken that were offered to me during my time at Salem State. Faculty and Administration’s dedication to creating a student-centered campus allowed me to accomplish achievements I didn’t even know were reachable. By creating a safe space for Jewish Students on campus, forefronting student involvement in the annual Earth Days Celebration, and working with faculty and other students to create an inclusive academic community, I have fully taken advantage of the opportunities provided to me by Salem State."
- Nina Torstensson
"What I am most proud of to have done while at SSU is getting out of my comfort zone and doing things I had never done before. Studying abroad in a foreign country for a semester, putting myself out there more, joining an e-board, etc."
- William Reagan
"I am most proud of winning the 2023 Viking Business Pitch Competition at Salem State University with the idea of "PoliticalEd," a plain-language unbiased political media platform for education and reporting. The year prior, my teammate and I made it to the final round of the competition but did not place.
In 2023, we came up with a different business idea, workshopped it from start to finish, listened to and applied valuable feedback, and crafted our pitch as perfectly as we knew how. It was a phenomenal feeling to have come back after that first loss, knowing we had the potential to do better and win the grand prize of $3,000. The best part about winning the Pitch Competition was knowing successful entrepreneurs and folks in the business world saw our potential, believed our idea and team had what it took to be successful, and the confidence it built in all of us."
- Jack Pender