One Kentucky State University graduate gives credit to a University employee for helping her reach the finish line. 

“Ms. Cherie Benson had had my front and my back from day one,” Rachel “Bama” Peterson said. “It is because of her dedication to me and other students that little ole me, from a small town in Alabama, will be the first of 13 siblings graduating from college. And at an HBCU at that.”

The Gordon, Alabama native and liberal studies major said she chose Kentucky State because she wanted to play basketball. 

“My best memories were always on the basketball court,” Peterson said. “Also, experiencing people from all over the world becoming family.” 

Peterson said she plans to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree. 

“I plan to shift gears in my career and be the change I want to see,” Peterson said. 

Peterson said her best advice to current and prospective Thorobreds is, “Keep fighting and don’t ever give up. Even when you fall, the only loss is when you don’t get up.”