A Student's Journey, A Shared Lesson-Haderah Phillips (Attending Honors Program events: 3 points)
On October 9th, 2025 I attended a Zoom call event from the Student Spotlight Professional Development Series featuring Layla DeCosta, a senior psychology major from Claflin University. The session focused on her journey as a student and her approach to fellowships. She shared her path to Claflin University, her experiences during her freshman year, including both achievements and setbacks, and the lessons she learned along the way. She also talked about her involvement in research through the Undergraduate Research Initiative for Student Enrichment, her campus involvement, tips for internships, and her next steps after graduation. Listening to Layla felt inspirational and relatable, considering I am a first year college student, trying to find my footing in the college lifestyle. Hearing from a student in their senior was motivational to see even through all of Layla's hardships, she did not let anything stop her and I want to have that same drive to keep going no matter what. Which is why what stood out to me the most was how honest she was about her challenges, especially during her freshman year. She did not present her journey as perfect, but as one that required effort, resilience, and self-reflection. I found it inspiring to hear how she stayed motivated even when things did not go as planned. It made the idea of success feel more achievable.
One of the key points Layla emphasized was the importance of taking initiative. Whether it was getting involved in research, applying for internships, or seeking out fellowships, she stressed that opportunities often come from asking questions and stepping outside of your comfort zone. This challenged me to think differently about my own academic path and reminded me that growth does not happen by waiting, but by actively engaging.This event contributed to my personal and academic growth by helping me reflect on my own goals and mindset. I learned that setbacks do not define failure, but instead can shape direction and strength. Layla’s journey encouraged me to be more confident in my abilities and more open to exploring opportunities, even if I am unsure at first. Overall, this Zoom session was more than just a professional development talk, it was a reminder that everyone’s journey is unique and still meaningful. I can apply what I learned by being more intentional about getting involved on campus, seeking mentorship, and preparing early for internships and future opportunities. Hearing Layla’s story helped me see that progress is built step by step, through persistence, reflection, and believing in your own potential.
-Haderah Phillips
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