Gideon Verdin

She believes being the first in her family to go to college will show the world that she is important and leave a powerful legacy for her family. She also credits her mother’s hard work and strength for inspiring her vision of success.

Wy’yana added, “Spelman’s model of ‘a choice to change the world’ was really embedded in me. Giving back and doing service has sparked my interest for a long time.” Wy’yana is also motivated by her love for her younger sisters. She wants to set a good example for them and show them that they can be anything they want to be.