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<\/a>Wright State psychology student Nautica Hereford is determined to succeed but insists on helping others too.<\/p><\/div>\n
A sophomore psychology major with a 3.6 GPA, Hereford has lost much in life, but the Cleveland native refuses to let her hardships become reasons for failure. Instead they motivate her to give back.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many excuses I can use. My heart hurts. Or I\u2019m tired,\u201d said Hereford. \u201cI take my studies seriously because I feel as though that is what I\u2019ve earned. People can take so many things away from me, but they can\u2019t take away my hard work, the long hours, the sacrifices that I\u2019ve put in.\u201d<\/p>\n
A beneficiary of Wright State\u2019s Paul Laurence Dunbar Scholarship and several other sources of aid, Hereford is determined to make good on those investments and much more.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think my Wright State story has really started yet,\u201d said Hereford. \u201cBy the time I graduate, I want to be remembered as a student that not only achieved but also as a student who brought people along the way, somebody who raised others up too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hereford is drawn to psychology because of that passion\u2014her drive to help others, particularly those like her, who have worked hard to overcome long odds, but still need help.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about where you come from. It\u2019s about where you are going,\u201d said Hereford. \u201cAnd a lot of people will use where you come from against you. And that\u2019s fine, they can do that if they want. But I guarantee I will be that one that makes it out. I guarantee somebody will say, \u2018wow, she came from this! I can be like her.\u201d<\/p>\n
In just a few days, Hereford will be halfway through her bachelor\u2019s degree. Her first two years have been hard, but they have only strengthened her resolve.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve worked, and I\u2019ve worked and I\u2019ve worked,\u201d said Hereford. \u201cFor all those who are supporting me here at Wright State, I want them to know that I\u2019m driven. I\u2019m invested. I\u2019m going to be somebody and I\u2019m going to give back once I become somebody.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Nautica Hereford got the phone call we all fear. Her sister back home was on the other end of the line. Continue reading