By Kellie Britch, College of Arts and Sciences
Gabriella Boykin, a recent graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, is dedicated to working with students and supporting their academic journeys — so much so that she’s walking off the commencement stage and back into the classroom to begin her master’s degree in counselor education in the USF College of Education.
During her time at USF, Boykin studied abroad, conducted undergraduate research, led a research team and worked as an ACE mentor and campus tour guide. (Photo by Corey Lepak)
“I love learning, and I love school,” said Boykin, who graduated in August with an
undergraduate degree from the Department of Communication. “I want to hopefully be a mentor and an advisor for future students.”
Boykin, a Student Support Services (SSS) student and the first in her family to attend college, spent her time at USF
absorbing every experience she could. She studied abroad, conducted undergraduate
research, led a research team and worked as an ACE mentor and campus tour guide.
While her resume is that of a fearless and charismatic young person, there were times
when she experienced the “typical emotions” many first-generation college students
face: loneliness, homesickness and anxiety. With support from faculty and staff, she
was able to overcome those feelings and find her footing.
“If there’s one takeaway I’d share with current or future Bulls, it’s that the uncomfortable
feelings you experience when trying something new are completely normal,” Boykin said.
“College doesn’t last forever, so it’s important to move at your own pace and define
success on your own terms.”