When Plan A Doesn't Work

No two college journeys are the same. A student's original plan may change 10 times before they find their passion. mass media student, Casey Gregory's first attempt at college did not go as planned. This is how he got things back on track.

Where do you go when your first semester of college results in a 0.00 GPA? For Southeast mass media student Casey Gregory, you find a place that feels supportive and the will to do in your heart. And, as often is the case, an encouraging faculty member can't hurt. Gregory says Dr. Sarah Cavanah, assistant professor in mass media helped him believe college and success were possible. So, he set his sights on achieving a 4.0 GPA.  

With the help of Dr. Cavanah, Gregory got to work in the classroom. He spent his first year at SEMO trying to shake off those initial college grades weighing on his GPA. But, once he found his passion in public relations he could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Gregory stuck with his coursework and learned what it meant to tackle your goals head-on. Since then, he has had a 4.0 GPA and big plans for the future.

Friends and Family

  • A young Casey Gregory and his siblings smile for a photo.
  • Casey and his extended family smile for a photo at his brother's wedding.
  • Casey Gregory poses for a photo in his SEMO attire.
  • Casey and his family smile for a photo after a football game.
Gregory says his family was a huge motivator on his education journey. He says as a first-generation college student, finishing school will allow him to give back to the people who have supported him along the way. With the image of his future in mind and the help of his professors, Gregory pushed himself to the next level at Southeast. He attributes his academic success to simple things like going to class, putting in the work, and not giving up. That's the advice he would give to other students as well.

"Breathe and attack each day. One day at a time. Go to your classes for that day. Do your homework for that day. And then after you get your work done, then you can have some fun. You can go play basketball. You can go play football. You can go to a party if you want. But always remember that your schoolwork is first."

Casey Gregory

Casey Gregory smiles for a photo with a red background.

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