Commencement 2023: One Step Closer to Educational Goals and Dreams

More than 3,000 new Salt Lake Community College graduates streamed out of the Maverik Center on Thursday afternoon into a blue-sky day and one step closer to their educational goals and dreams. For Synne Grubbs, who earned an AS in psychology, the next step is the University of Utah to continue studying psychology through their honor’s program. “I really want to help people with their struggles in life and psychology seemed like the best way to help the most people,” says Synne, who plans on pursuing a PhD to ultimately teach and provide clinical care.

For Mario Mejia earning a certificate in Auto Collision and Repair, while working three jobs, was for his parents. “I didn’t have to go to school to get a job in this industry, but I wanted to make my parents proud. I’m the first in our family to go to college,” says Mario. He always had a connection with cars growing up and then he was drawn to this area of auto repair in the first class he took at SLCC in the School of Technical & Professional Specialties. Mario points to auto-body instructor Curt Miller, standing just out of earshot. “I’m here today because of him. As students, we knew he cared about us and he pushed us to keep going. He wants us to be better.”

For Taylor Guymon earning an associate’s degree in business brings him one step closer to starting his own technology company one day. He worked full time at a technology company while earning his degree through online classes. “For me this day is about reflecting on what we’ve all accomplished and what we’ve all done to get here,” says Taylor. “We need times like this to step back and give ourselves some recognition.”

Maretta Scott took some time after high school to figure out what she wanted to do before choosing to attend SLCC to earn an AA degree in American Sign Language (ASL). Ultimately, she wants to be an interpreter in the legal system. “I was a bit older [than other students] but I really wanted to figure out what it was I wanted before attending,” says Maretta, who took four years to earn the degree so she could do it “well and successfully” and the pace was good for her mental health.

“I’m really proud of myself today,” says Maretta, as she finished pinning her cap on. “I’m so happy I went to SLCC. It was an amazing program and I just love this school. I love the diversity and the all the different types of people you meet and cultures you can see. It’s inspiring.”

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