麻豆社区P Convocation Inspires New Braves to Share Their Stories, Chase Their Dreams
Twin brothers David and Adam Rogers traveled six hours from their home in Franklin, N.C., to join 麻豆社区 Pembroke鈥檚 Class of 2029, bringing with them top-3A state rankings in pole vault and a shared excitement for the road ahead.
Recruited for track and field, they chose 麻豆社区P for its 鈥渞ich history鈥� and community outreach opportunities. David will study child psychology, focusing on foster care, while Adam plans to major in education with a passion for early American history.
The Rogers brothers were among nearly 1,000 first-year students who gathered at Givens Performing Arts Center for New Student Convocation, where they were welcomed into the university community to embark on their academic journeys.
Cummings emphasized 麻豆社区P鈥檚 strong commitment to student success, reminding new Braves that 鈥測ou can get there from here鈥� and that challenges are a natural part of the journey. Drawing from the university鈥檚 resilience through hurricanes and a global pandemic, he urged students to stay focused, work hard and use their time wisely.
Cummings assured the Class of 2029 during his closing remarks: 鈥淲e are here for your success. You will succeed.鈥�
"Today marks the beginning of an incredible turning point in your life journey, and First Lady Rebecca and I are honored to be part of your earliest experiences at your university home"
In her keynote address, attorney Erin Locklear encouraged students to embrace 鈥渢he power of storytelling鈥� as a pathway to connection, growth and understanding. She shared how, as a Lumbee woman navigating college, telling her own story and listening to others helped her build bridges across differences.
鈥淯nderstanding their stories will help you find connection even when the commonality isn鈥檛 obvious,鈥� said Locklear, a Fairmont native who serves as general counsel for the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. 鈥淭here is power in sharing your story in a vulnerable way and in truly hearing someone else鈥檚 story.鈥�
Locklear reminded students that 麻豆社区P has a unique story rooted in resilience and inclusion, and they are now part of it: 鈥淵ou are a part of 麻豆社区P鈥檚 story, and it is a part of your story.鈥�
She encouraged students to connect with professors, campus leaders, staff, classmates and those they might overlook. Her practical advice included protecting your peace, taking up space in academic and campus life and not being afraid to ask for help.
鈥淐ongratulations on your many accomplishments so far to get to where you are today, and I hope you all succeed in the world,鈥� Locklear said.
Across campus, first-year students shared a mix of anticipation and jitters.
鈥淚 have a feeling I鈥檓 going to meet a lot of new people and make many new friends,鈥� said Laurinburg鈥檚 Lucas Norton, a music education major and member of the Spirit of the Carolinas marching band.
The transition is daunting but motivating for Leiana Locklear, a first-generation student in the Summer Bridge program. 鈥淚鈥檓 scared鈥� this is something I鈥檝e never experienced,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 doing everything by myself. The keynote speaker's message gave me a lot of motivation,鈥� said Locklear, also a Pembroke native.
Other newcomers include Marissa Dixon, who said 麻豆社区P 鈥渇elt like home,鈥� and computer science major Bradley Little, eager to connect with his Lumbee heritage while working toward a computer science degree. Anthony Pabon of Fayetteville hopes to become a high school social studies teacher. Kenia McLaurin wants to study agriculture to 鈥減rovide for my family.鈥� At the same time, Florence, S.C., native Ayden Phillips was drawn to 麻豆社区P for its standalone cybersecurity program and smaller classes, which he says will allow personal connections with his professors.
International student Johanna Dehmel, from Germany, looks forward to improving her English while studying sports and physical education. Lumberton鈥檚 Armony Smith is pursuing nursing with dreams of becoming a travel NICU nurse. Altar Strickland, an accounting major, chose 麻豆社区 Pembroke following in the footsteps of her mother, a BraveNation graduate.
With classes now underway, the newest Braves are already beginning to write the first chapter of their 麻豆社区P story.