Celebrate our 2020 Undergraduate Seniors

MEET THE UNDERGRADUATE CLASS OF 2020!

Courtney Ashley

Major/Minor: Elementary Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: having the opportunity to serve on the Orientation Team working specifically with transfer students, like myself.

After Converse, I will be: accepting a position at Westwood Elementary School.

Hannah Asselin

Major/Minor: Accounting, Music
My most memorable experience at Converse was: BSLS! Both when I was a little and when I was a Big. I met so many new people on campus and found so many of my lifelong best friends!

After Converse, I will be: accepting a position with Buckeye Broadband.

Megan Austin

Major/Minor: Child and Family Studies
My most memorable experience at Converse were: all of the fun times my friends and I had at the CAB events!

After Converse, I: plan to find a job working with children, which is a passion of mine.

Morgan Bell

Major/Minor: Psychology, Religion
My most memorable experience at Converse was: fountain hopping with my roommates in the early part of spring semester senior year!

After Converse, I: will accept a position at Solving Autism.

Tiffany Bell

Major/Minor: Early Childhood Education

Audrey Bourdages

Major/Minor: Biochemistry
My most memorable experience at Converse was: the chance to fly across the world and spend two weeks in New Zealand with some of my best friends!

After Converse, I: have been waitlisted for VCOM for the class of 2024, therefore if I get offered a spot I will attending there in fall. Otherwise taking a gap year and hopefully will be a part of VCOM class of 2025.

Alyssa Bryant

Major/Minor: Elementary Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: when I was accepted into the Teacher Education Program at Converse! I was so happy that I was one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a teacher!

After Converse, I will be: accepting a position with Matthews Elementary School.

Amy Burns

Major/Minor: Biology
My most memorable experience at Converse was: having labs with and making friends that I will have for the rest of my life. Also between classes hanging out in the DSL talking, laughing, and just having fun. Big Sis/ Little Sis week was the greatest, leading up to reveal night preparing tails and ears specifically for my littles. Then their reactions on reveal night I will never forgot.

After Converse, I will be: taking a gap year and getting experience in the work force before applying to grad school to become an occupational therapist.

Elizabeth Byar

Major/Minor: Interior Design
My most memorable experience at Converse was: my study travel trip to Florence, Italy where I met so many awesome people and saw all of the beautiful artwork they had to offer. Can’t wait to go back!

After Converse, I:  hope to find a job with a commercial architecture firm.

Olivia Byers

Major/Minor: Psychology, Child and Family Studies
My most memorable experience at Converse: include any time hanging out with my friends was always a good time, but my absolute favorite memory would have to be from Junior year when the power went out and my friends and I stayed up until 3 am playing card games together!

After Converse, I: will be working at Fine Arts Day Camp for the summer! Afterward, I plan to work as a substitute or after school teacher to decide if I ultimately want to go to graduate school to become a teacher or therapist. I’ve been applying for my dream job of being a children’s activity director for a cruise line!

Jazmine Camacho

Major/Minor: Early Childhood Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: getting to dance and party with all my friends on the last winter ball! It was so special and fun.

After Converse, I will be: teaching in Greenville county, either kindergarten or first grade!

Aidyn Cantor

Major/Minor: English
My most memorable experience at Converse was: being a part of the most loving soccer team.

Michelle Cardona

Major/Minor: Psychology, Hispanic Studies
My most memorable experience at Converse was: building a community that has transformed my life. In every memory I can think of, my favorite part has always been the connection we share at Converse. I hope everyone appreciates that magic too.

Page Cargill

Major/Minor: Music Education

After Converse I will be: accepting a position with Spartanburg District 6.

Jennings Cavin

Major/Minor: BM in Flute Performance
My most memorable experience at Converse was: participating in BSLS as a Big, meeting my littles for the first time, and continuing to develop relationships with them throughout the past two years.

After Converse I will be: continuing my education at University of Missouri – Columbia.

Sarah Compton

Major/Minor: Piano Performance

After Converse I will be: continuing my education at the Univeristy of South Carolina.

Breanna Cromer

Major/Minor: Psychology, Women’s Studies
My most memorable experience at Converse was: getting to live with my best friends, endless adventures.

After Converse I will be: continuing my education at the University of South Carolina.

Timber Davis

Major/Minor: Psychology, Child and Family Studies, Dance
My most memorable experience at Converse: being able to perform in the dance production, Charting The Future, which represented the first time black women stepped foot into Converse as students.

After Converse I: am going to let life and my heart take me where I need to go.

Mikayla Dorman

Major/Minor: Music
My most memorable experience at Converse: over these 4 years includes many memories. I have gained life long friends, met my big sis and I am a big sis to 2 young ladies. The experiences through classes and activities will be remembered. Walking into my last Convocation and of course, my last semester of my senior year.

After Converse I: am planning on pursuing a career in theater working on planning and building production stages.

Caylin Edmonds

Major/Minor: Early Childhood Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: learning from some of the most talented and passionate professors. I also found my lifelong friends here at Converse.

After Converse I will be: accepting a position with Cherokee Charter Academy.

Erika Ferrell

Major/Minor: Philosophy, Spanish

After Converse I will be: continuing my education at Converse.

Kat Forbis

Major/Minor: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, American Sign Language
My most memorable experience at Converse was: the wonderful professors at Converse are what made my time here so special. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

After Converse I will be: accepting a position at Allied Instructional Services.

Laura Gill

Major/Minor: Interior Design, Hispanic Studies
My most memorable experience at Converse was: exploring Greece. It was a wonderful and memorable experience!

After Converse, I will be: interning with Cru for a year as a campus staff member. I look forward to seeing more of Converse!

Savannah Godlewski

Major/Minor: English
My most memorable experience at Converse was: touring Italy with Converse during Jan Term!

After Converse, I will be: accepting a position with Converse College.

Stephanie Gosnell

Major/Minor: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, American Sign Language

My most memorable experience at Converse was: the last winter formal dancing with President Newkirk. Science experiments with Dr. Cheser, reading class with Dr. Robertson, learning to appreciate math with Dr. Jones, learning strategies with Dr. Boggs, meeting an opossum with Mr. Ratteree, expression through art with Mrs. Elliott, jigsaw learning with Dr. Lee, and every moment with Dr. Park!

Mia Gottschalk

Major/Minor: Biochemistry
My most memorable experience at Converse was: moments between classes in the day student lounge, when all the commuters would get together and talk about their week/weekend. We would help each other with homework or talk about our daily stresses. Those students made each day a little brighter.

After Converse, I will be: starting the doctorate of pharmacy program at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Laura Beth Grant

Major/Minor: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, American Sign Language
My most memorable experience at Converse was: my final JanTerm spent with my best friends.

After Converse, I will be: accepting a position with Allied Instructional Services.

Sabrina Green

Major/Minor: Philosophy, Music

After Converse, I will be: continuing my education at Georgia State University.

Casey Hall

Major/Minor: Healthcare Administration
My most memorable experience at Converse was: our last Opening Convocation, walking in with some of my closest friends that Converse brought into my life. We made it!

After Converse, I will: continue at my position with Palmetto Eye and Laser Center.

Cheye Hammond

Major/Minor: English, Secondary Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: how thankful I am to have attended a women’s college. From class-wide conversations about sexual harassment to awed audiences listening to esteemed alumni, I have found my inspiration among the strong, self-assured women around me. I am appreciative of my time at Converse because EVERY experience was memorable and unique.

After Converse, I will: be excitedly looking for a classroom to call my own.

Brianna Harrill

Major/Minor: Biochemistry

After Converse, I will: continue my education at Presbyterian College.

Katie Harris

Major/Minor: Biochemistry
My most memorable experience at Converse was: President Newkirk’s inauguration Ball! The festivities surrounding the whole day were ones I will never forget because I spent the whole time with people I will be lifelong friends with.

After Converse, I will: continue my education.

Harley Haynes

Major/Minor: Interior Design

After Converse, I will: accept an offer from OTO Development, an affiliate of the Johnson Group here in Spartanburg, for a paid, 12-week internship in Interior Design.

Kathleen Holcombe

Major/Minor: Psychology, Child and Family Studies
My most memorable experience at Converse was: attending Opening Convocation during my senior year. It was surreal to see all the seniors in our caps, ears, and tails. I especially loved sharing that moment with my best friends. I will never forget the memories we’ve shared so far together!

After Converse, I will be: continuing my education at the University of South Carolina.

Rachel Hopp

Major/Minor: Art Therapy, Psychology
My most memorable experience at Converse was: President Newkirk’s inaugural ball my freshman year. It was an exciting and vibrant event, and I even got to dance with our new president! I just remember the music being amazing, and dancing all night with my friends I was truly the most memorable experience at Converse and I had three more years of amazing memories to create.

After Converse, I will be: continuing my education at Radford University.

Avery Jackson

Major/Minor: English, Secondary Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: making amazing lifelong friends.

After Converse, I will be: accepting a position at Union County High School.

Caitlynn Jarvis

Major/Minor: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, American Sign Language

After Converse, I will be: accepting a position at Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf.

Shakori Jennings-Shuler

Major/Minor: Theatre
My most memorable experience at Converse was: everything the Theatre Department taught me. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without them. I’ve been able to costume design a show, work with scenic design, direct, write scripts, and more. I’m thankful to have been able to learn and grow at Converse. I will forever cherish it in my heart!

After Converse, I: plan to attend the University of South Carolina to further my education to earn an Acting Masters in Fine Arts.

Zoe Kushubar

Major/Minor: Violin Performance, Chemistry
My most memorable experience at Converse was: going on a two-week trip to Germany for one of my Jan term courses! We visited the Berlin Wall memorial, saw the Berlin Philharmonic perform, and toured the church where the composer J.S. Bach worked! If it weren’t for Converse, I would have never had this study-abroad opportunity. I am so so grateful for my time here!

After Converse, I will be: continuing my education at Florida State University.

Monica Landrum

Major/Minor: Elementary Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: my senior year! I met so many people and gained an amazing friendship with Rokel. In October of 2014 I was in a car accident, which resulted in me having to take medical leave twice from Converse. I always say that everything happens for a reason and if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have met the people I did.

After Converse, I will be: working at Drayton Mills Elementary.

Kelsie Lane

Major/Minor: English, Secondary Education, Middle-level Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: taking a trip to USC Columbia to look at artifacts of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life in Dr. Templeton’s Fitzgerald Jan term class. Additionally, getting my big and my little and growing my relationships with so many wonderful women.

After Converse, I will be: working at Sandhills Middle School.

Jasmine Loy-Smith

Major/Minor: Business Administration

After Converse, I will: accept a job with Ford Motor Company.

Gianna Mancinelli

Major/Minor: Biology

After Converse, I will be: continuing my education at West Virginia University.

Lexi Martin

Major/Minor: Musical Theatre
My most memorable experience at Converse were: all of the shows that I’ve participated in with Theatre Converse.

After Converse, I will be: taking time to work and then moving forward to share all that I’ve learned about theatre with the world.

Alejandra Martinez

Major/Minor: English
My most memorable experience at Converse was: getting to pin my sister for her Freshman Pining! It was surreal to know that, even though we are already connected by blood, Converse gave us this special moment as well. I also really liked Bonaroo in 2017. Leon was such a cool act.

After Converse, I will be: continuing my education at Coventry University.

Elisa Mason

Major/Minor: Business, Hispanic Studies
My most memorable experience at Converse was: BSLS week my freshmen year! Such a fun experience with all my friends.

After Converse, I will be: accepting a position with Southern States Packaging.

Chiara Mattamira

Major/Minor: Mathematics, Chemistry
My most memorable experience at Converse was: my last Opening Convocation. Every year I remember looking at the seniors and thinking “that’s going to be me one day” and before I knew I was in my graduation gown processing into Twichell with all my best friends. It was such a special day that I will remember and cherish forever.

After Converse, I will be: continuing my education at the University of Tennesse, Knoxville.

Brooke McElrath

Major/Minor: Early Childhood Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: Opening Convocation my senior year. It was so exciting to stand beside my lifelong friends, in our cap and gowns, knowing that we would soon be going down new paths of life.

After Converse, I: plan to work in a Title 1 school in an early-childhood classroom. In the near future, I would like to further my education and receive my master’s degree.

Sierra Miller

Major/Minor: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, American Sign Language
My most memorable experience at Converse was: this past semester. Student Teaching during a pandemic is an experience in itself, but I had an amazing team of friends, professors, and mentors to help me every step of the way!

After Converse, I: have been offered a position with Union County Schools.

Ashleigh Mohr

Major/Minor: Creative and Professional Writing
My most memorable experience at Converse was: walking across the beautiful campus every morning to get to my classes! I will never forget the scent of the blooming flowers in the spring, or cheerily dodging rain puddles on the brick walkways going from building to building.

After Converse, I: have been offered a position at Harrington Appraisals, Inc.

Kathryn Monroe

Major/Minor: Vocal Performance
My most memorable experience at Converse was: getting to pin my friend at her freshman pinning. I am so glad I met her and got to be there on that awesome day.

After Converse, I: plan to work for a year and then hopefully come back to Converse to pursue a degree in Music Education so I can teach elementary music students.

Katie Moss

Major/Minor: Healthcare Administration
My most memorable experience at Converse was: being a part of Converse Acrobatics and Tumbling my freshman year!

After Converse, I: will continue my education at Gardner Webb University.

Daisy Myers

Major/Minor: Music Therapy
My most memorable experience at Converse was: campus around spring time when the weather is beautiful and the flowers start blooming!

After Converse, I: will be attending my internship at Metro Music Therapy in Atlanta, GA.

Madelyn Nettles

Major/Minor: Music Education

My most memorable experience at Converse was: the Junior Ring Ceremony. My favorite professor and his wife came to support me.

Kayla Noon

Major/Minor: Individualized Major: Design Engineering, Computer Science
My most memorable experience at Converse was: hosting the first ever student run athletic banquet called The CoCos.

After Converse, I: will accept a position with Smart Electric Company Inc.

Kelly Panther

Major/Minor: Elementary education

After Converse, I will: continue nannying for families of special needs children & baking until I’m offered a teaching job.

Nidhi Patel

Major/Minor: Accounting, Computer Science
My most memorable experience at Converse was: going to all the dances and riding around campus in the golf cart with my friends.

After Converse, I will: accept a position with Tindall Corporation.

Ashleigh Patton

Major/Minor: Accounting
My most memorable experience at Converse was: attending Opening Convocation and Founder’s Day with my friends! Sharing memories of us attending the Freshman pinning, Sophomore bracelet dinner, and the Junior ring ceremony!

After Converse, I will: continue my education at Clemson University.

Alexis Pitts

Major/Minor: Psychology
My most memorable experience at Converse was: the life-changing mentorship and support I received that has helped me become more like the woman I want to be for my future. The friendships and sisterhood created during the process were built to last a lifetime.

After Converse, I will: continue my education at Converse College.

Faith Pruett

Major/Minor: Art Therapy, Psychology
My most memorable experience at Converse was: the Inaugural Ball for President Newkirk my Freshman year. It was so fun, the music was fantastic, and it was the most memorable dance in my four years at Converse!

After Converse, I will: continue my education at George Washington University.

Sunshine Roberts

Major/Minor: Studio Art, Arts Management

After Converse, I will: accept a position with Palm Terrace.

Michelle Rohde

Major/Minor: Spanish, Psychology
My most memorable experience at Converse was: being a part of the soccer team, and doing the Soccer Olympics.

After Converse I will be: moving to Spain to teach English! I’ve been offered a job at CIEE Teach Abroad.

Paxton Rowley

Major/Minor: Psychology, Music
My most memorable experience at Converse was: being onstage to perform Alcina with Converse Opera Theatre! I have been in four productions here and I will cherish every one of them deeply!

After Converse I will be: looking to work in child advocacy by getting a job in CPS. I am also still planning on performing in as many shows as possible.

Kira Saini

Major/Minor: Music Composition
My most memorable experience at Converse was: joining ‘Sorry, Peach’ with my wonderful friends has been the most amazing Converse experience for me! I love making music with the people I love! ‘Sorry, Peach’ has played for numerous Converse events like Arts on Tap, opening for the Betty Who concert, FR8Yard events, Petrie Preview, and so much more! (Check us out on social media!)

After Converse I will be: taking this next year off taking on a day job, while still focusing on music on the side. I hope to be either teaching lessons, involved in a music ensemble, and continue on with freelance composing. I will be doing research on full-time music positions for the years to come! I would like to take this next year to figure out myself and my life plans! It’s totally okay to not have it all figured out right now.

Dasia Sanders

Major/Minor: Psychology
My most memorable experience at Converse was: spending time with my fellow Track & Field team.

After Converse I: will accept a position with the Sheriff’s Office.

Michaela Shelley

Major/Minor: Psychology, Philosophy
My most memorable experience at Converse was: being able to travel abroad to New Zealand during Jan term of my junior year with some of my closest friends!

After Converse I will be: waiting to hear back from a graduate degree program before I make any final decisions, but my hope is to pursue a Master’s in Social Work.

Jeté Slaughter

Major/Minor: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: Junior/senior year. I went to my 1st Converse dance & received the Faculty Memorial Scholarship. But I’ll never forget the friends I made at Converse.

After Converse I will be: working at Spartanburg School District 7.

Chloe Smith

Major/Minor: Psychology, Art Therapy
My most memorable experience at Converse was: BSLS! Moving to college was a really scary experience and having my sisters made me feel so included, cared for, and loved! As well as getting to be able to work in the studios and having such amazing artists as teachers and mentors. They really helped me improve my artistic ability and confidence!

After Converse I will be: taking a gap year to gain more experience in my field.

Kaybriana Spalding

Major/Minor: Chemistry
My most memorable experience at Converse was: Orientation!!

After Converse I will be: working at Nephron Pharmaceuticals.

Kersten Stribble

Major/Minor: Theatre
My most memorable experience at Converse was: when I got engaged and my best friends pushed me in the fountain to surprise me. Love and miss them all already!!

After Converse I will be: working at Lexington Medical Center.

Jordan Summerlin

Major/Minor: Deaf & Hard of Hearing Education
My most memorable experience at Converse was: attending the paint party my freshman year, Dr. Maggie Park’s Deaf Culture class, the Sophomore Sisterhood bracelet dinner, there are so many!

After Converse I will be: an Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf during the next school year.

Noelle Vallely

Major/Minor: Psychology, Spanish
My most memorable experience at Converse was: the most wonderful opportunity to do research in Psychology. Under Dr. Varnon, I was able to work on the Bugs & Drugs project working with bees and cockroaches. We even have a paper in the process of being published! Under Dr. Martin, I was able to conduct research in the Affect Response Laboratory – human responses are fascinating!

After Converse I will be: continuing my education at Florida State University.

Mary Louise Vann

Major/Minor: Child and Family Studies
My most memorable experience at Converse was: getting to work at Fine Arts Day Camp and take classes focused on arts integration and literature. I believe that the arts and literature are incredibly important and have loved learning how to integrate them and advocate for them. I also got to go to school with one of my childhood best friends again and gain a new one who has made me a god mom!

After Converse I will: continue working with Lawson Academy of the Arts while working towards a future in the classroom. My goal is to work with children and families in various ways for as long as I can.

Dani Varquez

Major/Minor: Psychology, Child and Family Studies, Studio Art
My most memorable experience at Converse was: Galentine’s Day trips! Spending time in the psych suite! Winter Ball! Traveling to Italy! Every second spent with friends! Laying on the quad! Being in SGA! Getting littles! Too many memories to name!

After Converse I will be: pursuing certification as a child life specialist, and applying for psychology research positions! I will also be adopting my first dog, Millie.

Meghan Vaughn

Major/Minor: Child and Family Studies, Dance
My most memorable experience at Converse was: the paint party freshman year, and Danse Macabre!

After Converse I will be: continuing my education at the University of South Carolina.

Emily Vick

Major/Minor: Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management

My most memorable experience at Converse was: getting to be apart of such a great team with amazing people! Go CoCoWoSo!

Morgan Westbrook

Major/Minor: Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management

My most memorable experience at Converse was: going to the student center to play “hand ball” with Alicia and Caroline cause we were really bad at actual pool.

MacKenzie Whitehouse

Major/Minor: Child & Family Studies, Philosophy

After Converse I: plan to attend Graduate school to get my M.Ed in special education. I’m currently interviewing for my dream job *fingers crossed*; I hope to be an Early Intervention Specialist.

Natasha Wood

Major/Minor: Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing, American Sign Language
My most memorable experience at Converse was: my senior Opening Convocation processing into the auditorium with my best friends in our graduation gowns. It felt bittersweet because it meant we have finally made it to everything we have worked for, but we will soon be taking our separate paths in life. However, we will always be connected.

After Converse I will: take all I have learned from Dr. Maggie Park and Dr. Julie Jones and teach our future generations to have a passion for learning.