Month: March 2024

By:  Beth Anne Johnson

The PEER WISE community gathered for an exclusive Q&A session with the phenomenal Jacovia Cherry on a crisp January evening. As the clock struck at 5:00 on Tuesday, January 30th, our screens illuminated, ready to embark on a journey with a distinguished alumna who seamlessly blended her passion for engineering, coaching, and entrepreneurship. “Jacovia is an amazing example for students to see the power of networking and community,” shares Serita Acker, “she goes after the exact life she desires. She has many passions, and she pursues them all. Many students let the fear of failure stop them from pursuing their desired life, but not our Jacovia Cherry.”

Jacovia Cherry: A Multi-Faceted Success Story

A Computer and Electrical Engineering graduate turned Google professional, Middle School Basketball Coach, and small business owner, Cherry embodies the essence of limitless possibilities for PEER WISE students. Her story, punctuated by resilience and achievement, unfolded before us as she shared her insights and experiences.

The Journey Unveiled

Cherry commenced the session by reminding us that every working professional, regardless of current status, once navigated the labyrinth of their initial major’s classes. Her narrative resonated with students and alumni, creating a relatable bridge between past and present Clemson experiences.
“I actually had to take time off from my academics at Clemson,” says Cherry, “During this time, I worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. It was a hard and true wake-up call to say, education is necessary for the life I want for myself.”

Secrets of Perseverance

A beacon of inspiration, Cherry delved into the secrets of perseverance that propelled her toward success. From conquering academic challenges to thriving in a dynamic professional landscape, she emphasized the significance of resilience and commitment to one’s goals. “Ask for help,” says Cherry, “Ask for help and show up. When you ask for community. Your community responds.” Her journey echoed the sentiment that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to growth.

Importance of Community

One of the event’s highlights was Cherry’s emphasis on the community’s pivotal role in her personal and professional growth. She passionately shared how the support and resources provided by PEER & WISE had been instrumental in making her Clemson Experience extraordinary. Her words resonated with the audience, underscoring a supportive community’s profound impact on an individual’s journey.
“Jacovia Cherry was and remains a fantastic PEER & WISE mentor,” exclaims Lisa Jackson, PEER Associate Director, “We want our students to be authentic and intentional leaders, and Jacovia is the very embodiment of this practice.”

Gleaning Insights for Extraordinary Experiences

As Cherry shared her pearls of wisdom, attendees had the opportunity to glean insights into making their own Clemson experiences extraordinary. Whether navigating academic challenges, transitioning into the professional world, or balancing multiple passions, Cherry’s journey was a roadmap for unlocking one’s full potential. The takeaway? Our journeys are not always linear; they have setbacks, but how we react, pivot, and arrive sets our pathway to success forward.

Reflecting on the Event

The January PEER WISE Connections event with Jacovia Cherry was a resounding success. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of Cherry’s journey and renewed motivation and inspiration to conquer their academic and professional pursuits.

Closing Thoughts:

Jacovia Cherry’s Q&A session highlighted the importance of community, perseverance, and embracing individual paths. The event provided valuable insights that we can apply as we seek wisdom and inspiration in our own journeys.

Missed the event? Stay tuned for more enriching sessions and opportunities with PEER WISE Connections. PEER WISE Connections is a professional development series hosted by the PEER & WISE department that introduces current students to alumni and industry professionals. It is open to all students.

Unlock Your Potential with PEER & WISE – Where Wisdom Meets Inspiration! 

By:  Serita Acker, PEER WISE Executive Director

Hey, Clemson Tigers! Serita Acker here, and I’m excited to share some wisdom on enhancing your spring performance. As we transition into a new season, it’s the perfect time to take a step back, reassess, and set the stage for success. Here are five steps to elevate your spring performance:

Step 1: Pause, Reflect, and Ask Yourself: “What can I do better?”
Spring is a time of renewal; the first step to enhance your performance is to hit the pause button. Take a moment to reflect on your recent experiences, challenges, and successes. Ask yourself, “What can I do better?” This simple yet powerful question sets the foundation for growth and improvement.

Step 2: Create an Action Plan
Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, it’s time to turn your reflections into action. Craft a detailed action plan outlining specific steps to address your identified areas of growth. Break it down into manageable tasks, set realistic deadlines, and create a roadmap to guide your journey towards improvement.

Step 3: Build Intention into Performance
Intentionality is the key to success. Infuse purpose into your actions and decisions. Define your goals clearly, and align every step of your action plan with those objectives. When your efforts are guided by intention, you’ll find greater focus and purpose in your daily tasks, leading to more meaningful and impactful results.

Step 4: Check-In, Create Checks and Balances
Regular check-ins are crucial to ensure you’re staying on track with your action plan. Establish checks and balances to measure progress and performance. Set milestones, evaluate your achievements, and be open to adjusting your strategy if needed. Accountability is a powerful motivator, and consistent check-ins keep you accountable for your goals.

Step 5: Rest – Nurture Your Brain with Quality Sleep and Nutrition
Last but certainly not least, prioritize rest. Your brain is the powerhouse behind your performance, and it deserves proper care. Ensure you’re getting enough quality sleep, nourish your body with nutritious foods, and create a holistic approach to well-being. Remember, your brain consumes the most calories in your body, so give it the rest it deserves to recharge and perform at its best.

As we dive into spring, let’s embrace these five steps to enhance our performance. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or staff, these principles apply universally. Here’s to a season of growth, success, and achieving your fullest potential! Go Tigers!

#SpringPerformance #ClemsonSuccess #SeritaSpeaks