Alumni Story: Marquitta Martin
Marquitta Martin of Lithia Springs, Georgia, is a 2025 Strayer University graduate serving as a Human Resources Coordinator at 1st Care Management. Her journey is marked by resilience and a commitment to personal and professional growth, culminating in academic excellence and career advancement. Reflecting on her path, Marquitta shares, “Twelve years before enrolling at Stayer University, I stepped away from my master’s program with a 2.3 GPA due to life’s challenges… It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish that matters most.” Her story is a powerful reminder that persistence not setbacks defines success.
What inspired you to pursue a degree at Strayer University?
What really pushed me to pursue a degree at Strayer was my desire to grow and do more with my life. My children had finally graduated high school and I promised myself I would go back to school once they were finished. Strayer offered me both flexibility and the resources to do just that.
Which skill would you say you developed most significantly during your educational journey?
Thinking of where I started and where I finished I feel my professional communication has greatly improved. I’m now more confident in having those “hard” conversations with employees and leadership without burning bridges but in a supportive way with growth in mind.
How have you used the skills you gained from your program in your career?
Yes! Professional communication, critical thinking, problem solving, project management, and lots of employment law. I’ve even was able to pass my HR Certification exam on the first try by taking the SHRM Capstone class and I’m truly grateful for that.
Which resources at Strayer, such as faculty, advisors or the enrollment teams, were most helpful to you during your program?
There were so many teachers and resources at Strayer that I utilized and didn’t mind answering my questions or offering recommendations even when I was no longer in their classes. So here’s the faculty I’d like to acknowledge. Dr. Jama Rand, Dr. Obioma Iwuanyanwu, Dr. TAB (Teaa Allston-Bing), and Dr. Victor Villarreal. My favorite resources to use was the Career Center, Peer Mentorship, and for those stressful semesters, I would gladly use the BetterMynd services (previously known as The Center for Wellbeing).
What advice would you share with someone currently working toward their degree?
My advice to current or future students is to stay consistent, even when it gets hard. You’re not always going to feel motivated, and may even use procrastination for that deadline driven motivation; I’m guilty of that myself, but, dicipline is what’s going to carry you through. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or use your resources. There are chat forums in icampus where you can talk to other students who may have already had the class you’re in or just for a boost of motivation. Attend those live sessions for that one on one time with the professor. Trying to figure it out on your own will only slow you down. Don’t think of school as just completing assignments. Think of it as the skills you’ll be using in your career on a daily basis. You’d be surprised how something you thought you’d never use would pop up in your career. Most importantly, believe in YOURSELF, and remember why you started. There will be moments where you’ll feel overwhelmed or even want to quit, but don’t! Keep going. Your future is worth the effort, and finishing what you started is a different kind of accomplishment.
In one word, how would you describe your Strayer experience?
Motivating!
Are you a proud Strayer graduate making an impact in your career or community? We’d love to hear your story. Complete the Alumni Story Form to share your accomplishments and your story may be considered for an upcoming alumni spotlight. Your journey could inspire others in the Strayer community to keep reaching for their goals.