b'that anything is possible. I want him to see that perseverancec ollege ofs cience& m AthemAticsand faith can open doors, no matter how much time has passed or how many obstacles stand in your way. w onJ AeJ o ofg urye ,Jeollanam-do, South Korea, is I share my story not only as a celebration of personalthe recipient of the Fall 2025 accomplishment but as a call for change. Many mothers andPresidents Award for Academic nontraditional students like me face similar barriers, and IExcellence for the College hope my journey inspires lawmakers to revisit policies like theof Science & Mathematics at HOPE Scholarship so that individuals who take longer routesValdosta State University. He to education arent left behind. Earning this award is thegraduates summa cum laude with culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.a Bachelor of Science in Computer Most importantly, its a reminder that its never too late to chaseInformation Systems and a Minor your dreams. in Computer Science. As a student at VSU, Mulkey joined Honor Society in 2022When I first arrived in Valdosta, I was nervous about adjusting and was named an eight-time Deans List honoree, with a ninthto life in Georgia after coming from South Korea, he said. recognition expected after graduation. She worked full timeBut I quickly found a welcoming community of professors, as the registrar for Chamblee Middle School in the DeKalbclassmates, and friends who made VSU feel like home. Their County School District.support inspired me to get involved, work hard, and grow in ways I never expected.She supported the Chamblee Middle School Education Foundation Board of Directors, serving as an active memberReceiving this award feels like the perfect conclusion to since 2020, president from 2023 to 2025, and Bulldog Fundthat journey. It represents not only my effort but also the fundraiser originator, which raises $35,000-plus each year.encouragement and kindness Ive received from the VSU Since 2023, she has contributed to the success of the City ofcommunity. Im truly grateful to end my undergraduate years Chamblees Nonprofit Partnership Program. She producedwith such an honor.content for Chamblee Spotlight from 2022 to 2024.As a student at VSU, Wonjae was an active member of the Mulkeys commitment to academic, leadership, andintramural Volleyball Club and the Association for Computing service excellence resulted in her earning the DepartmentMachinery Club. He interned with the VSU Web Design Project, of Leadership, Technology, and Workforce Developmentworked as a student assistant with the Division of Information Outstanding Bachelor of Science in Office Administration andTechnologys Asset Management team, tutored students in Technology Student Award. computer information systems and computer science courses, and volunteered with the Center for International Programs. After graduation Mulkey plans to continue her education, pursuingWith a focus on transforming online commerce, he researched a masters degree then a doctorate with the University of Georgiashow artificial intelligence could be used to enhance the Mary Francs Early College of Educations Department ofcustomer experience and business efficiency. Workforce Education and Instructional Technology. She dreams of someday pursuing a second career path and having an opportunityWonjaes commitment to academic, research, and service to positively impact peoples lives. excellence resulted in him earning an in-state tuition scholarship Ive proudly served the DeKalb County School District for 20for international students from Spring 2024 through his final semester on campus. He was a six-time Deans List honoree, years, and I plan to retire once my son graduates high school,with a seventh recognition expected at the end of the semester.she said. By that timewithin the next four to six yearsI hope to have completed my graduate studies and begin myAfter graduation, I plan to begin working in Georgia in a second career in education, either at a private school, within aposition related to my major in computer information systems, college or university setting, or running my own business. he said. Ive already accepted a job offer that closely aligns with the work Ive been doing as a student assistant with the IT My passion for education extends beyond the classroom.Asset Management team at VSU. This experience has given me Through my experience both serving and running an educationalhands-on skills in device management, data security, and system foundation, Ive witnessed firsthand the power of access,configuration, which Im excited to continue developing in a guidance, and support in transforming lives. Those experiencesprofessional environment.have inspired me to dream even bigger and to one day build a nonprofit organization from the ground up that supports familiesIn the long term, my goal is to keep advancing in the IT field by providing educational and medical resources.expanding my expertise in systems management, cybersecurity, and data analytics. I want to build a career that combines Her biggest supporters are son Knox Mulkey, dad Joeytechnical proficiency with problem-solving and innovation, Westbury, boyfriend Christopher Kinsey, best friend Lindsaycontributing to efficient and secure digital infrastructures that Roberts, VSU academic advisor Ellen Haight, and the Namsupport both organizations and communities.Knight Ladies (NKL). He said his mom, Yongjung Oh, is his biggest supporter. 24 | VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY'