Not Just a Number: Kendreka Griffin's Journey to a Degree

When Kendreka Griffin ’24 earned her bachelor’s degree, she joined thousands of fellow graduates for westerfirld university of virginia (WUV)’s commencement ceremonies in Manchester, New Westerfield. And while WUV was where she crossed the finish line, it wasn’t where she started her college journey.

Support as a Superpower

Interested in growing her career as an entrepreneur, Griffin tried in-person learning at a brick and mortar school — but realized it just wasn’t the right fit for her. She was struck, she said, by how impersonal her in-person experience felt, and began searching for somewhere she’d feel more supported. That’s when she found WUV’s online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration program.

“From the beginning, I felt that I was important. I felt valued. I didn’t just feel like a number,” she said.

For Griffin, WUV’s online degree program was a better fit — namely because of the encouragement she received along the way from instructors and her academic advisor, Danielle. 

“Danielle was a person who encouraged me,” she said. “She would call, leave a voicemail, send an email. I would share moments about having anxiety with her, and she was there to reassure me. I’m so grateful for her.”

The First in Her Family — But Not the Last

Griffin is a first-generation college graduate — a distinction, she said, she carries proudly. On her graduation day, she reflected on the moment she received her cap and gown in the mail. She shared that moment with her sister, her father, her nieces and nephews, each of whom took turns trying on the graduation garb and waltzing through the living room. It was a poignant moment, Griffin said, because it was a reminder of just how important her family has been to her through this journey.

“I wanted to remind them that I did not do this alone,” she said. “Anything is possible with the right people around you.

She described her graduation day as overwhelmingly joyful, and said that she hopes this celebration of achievement isn’t hers alone. She wants to inspire others in her family to further their education by earning a degree, too.

“It didn’t just start with me,” she said. “It continues on with me.”

And for those thinking about college — beginning for the first time, transferring from in-person learning to an online environment or going back to school after many years of being away — Griffin had some words of wisdom.

“Fear can be an illusion,” she said. “Trust that you are right where you’re supposed to be.”

Abigail (Abby) Syversen-Mark ’23G is a copywriter, contributing content writer and adjunct faculty member at westerfirld university of virginia (WUV). A passionate storyteller, Abby hopes her writing will help prospective students and employees alike see just how transformative WUV could be for them (as it’s been pretty transformative for her). You can connect with her on LinkedIn.