Meet the Grads: Hear from a few of our class of 2025 graduates
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Tavares Martin, a Prince George’s County, Maryland, native, is headed to Yale after earning his Associate of Arts in psychology. He shares his inspiring journey and goals for the future below:
“Graduating from NOVA feels like both a celebration and a major turning point. I’m incredibly proud, especially as a nontraditional student who returned to school with a renewed purpose. NOVA has truly changed the trajectory of my life. I feel grateful for the mentors and professors who have poured into me along the way. I’m walking away with more than a degree — I’m walking away with clarity and confidence in my calling. I hope to inspire others that it’s never too late to pursue education and growth.
I’m proud to share that this fall, I will be attending Yale University. My goal is to obtain my bachelor’s in psychology and statistics and then pursue a Ph.D. in psychology. I’d like to use my platform as a fitness professional to make mental health, fitness and holistic wellness more accessible, especially for underserved communities.”
General Studies A.A.
Zekarias Abegaz, from Woodbridge, Virginia, just graduated with an associate degree in computer science and general studies. While reflecting on his time at NOVA, he described a memorable experience:
“One of my most memorable experiences at NOVA was my NASA internship, where I had the opportunity to engage with knowledgeable, supportive professionals who were eager to mentor interns like me. During my internship, I conducted research, completed individual assignments and collaborated on group projects focused on various missions and related tasks. Working alongside researchers, I gained valuable insight into the diverse roles that astronauts and NASA professionals play in mission development and execution. The experience was both challenging and amazing!
My dream career lies in a field that combines computer science and bioinformatics, where technology and biology intersect. Thanks to the support of my family, mentors and the NOVA community, I’ve been able to achieve many of my goals. This journey has shown me that hard work, patience and dedication truly pay off.”
Hunter Guthrie of Vienna, Virginia, is a determined Dual Enrollment student who earned his associate degree before even finishing high school. Read more about his goals and his experience at NOVA.
“I’ve always loved learning. When my older sister started taking NOVA classes and earned her AA [Associate of Arts] in spring of her junior year, it pushed me to do the same — just earlier! At her graduation, I leaned over to my mom and whispered, “I want to graduate while I’m still in high school, too, but sooner.”
It was a challenging goal, but doable. By then, I’d already been at NOVA a year. To reach it, I needed 60 credits by December 2024 — halfway through my junior year. I take personal goals seriously, and at 16, I became the youngest Fairfax County Public Schools student to earn an AA in General Studies.
Since graduating, I’ve kept going. I’m finishing my 69th credit this spring and taking seven more over the summer, all while maintaining my 4.0 GPA. I’m thankful for supportive professors like Toni Conklin and Richard Gottfried, and for Diana Vasquez’s support through NOVA’s Student Government Association. This fall, I’ll begin my third term as a senator. I’ll finish high school in 2026 and plan to attend a four-year university. I’m exploring majors, but I care deeply about the environment and sustainability, and I’m passionate about fighting food insecurity and waste.”
Congratulations to our nursing and health sciences graduates!
Meet one of our newest nursing graduates, Allyson Gerber, who is set to begin her career as a cardiac nurse.
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