Niquisha Goggins had her share of struggles when classes moved online in the spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But she kept going, and encouraged her classmates to do the same.

Goggins persevered. Now the junior from Woodruff, South Carolina, is back at it, pursuing degrees in religion and psychology.

Kris Neely, Professor of Art and Director of SMC’s Interdisciplinary Studies Program, said he was impressed by Goggins’s persistence to graduate with her associate degree and to “come back this fall with a renewed energy and positive attitude.”

Goggins’s attitude was on display in group messages, where she encouraged her classmates, and on social media, where she posted inspiring messages.

“I was usually on Facebook, posting encouraging Bible verses,” Goggins said. “I just wanted to remind everybody to pray, to wear their masks, to sanitize, and to take everything just one step at a time.”

Goggins is looking forward to getting back to a normal routine. She’s currently taking two classes on campus and four others online.

When Goggins graduates, she might not be done. She’s thinking about adding a business degree to her résumé.

“I feel like SMC gave me another chance to pursue my goal,” she said. “I’d like to own my own business and be a therapist, and I’m definitely going to work with special needs kids.”