As Kinga Guza prepares to don her cap and gown, she reflects on the power of believing in yourself to reach your goals. Born and raised in Poland, Guza arrived in the United States at the age of 18 determined to graduate high school. Although she was not yet fluent in English, she was undeterred and dove right into learning the language one word at a time. She slowly mastered the nuances of communication which would later become the foundation of her success. “I remember learning how to say ‘brush’ and all the other small things to be able to communicate with other people,” recalled Guza. 

Life led Kinga into the workforce right after high school where she thrived and grew professionally for 15 years; however, her dream of higher education and graduating with a bachelor's degree never dimmed. In 2020, amidst the pandemic, Guza decided to return to school, enrolling at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS). 

SCPS, dedicated to serving adult learners like Guza, offered the flexibility she needed to balance full-time work and studies. Adapting to online learning during the COVID era, Guza navigated the virtual landscape with resilience, refusing to let the obstacles derail her pursuit of education, even though it was challenging at times. "I was used to being away from school for so long, and then I had to get used to going to school right after my workdays. Once COVID hit I had to change everything to be online, so it was again something new for me to manage," she said.  

Guza's transition back to school was not without its hurdles; yet, with the mentorship of dedicated faculty and staff and the friendships of fellow students, she excelled. “I had a very positive experience with all the teachers and professors and even my classmates. Although we have classes online, we meet some of the same people during school and get to know them well.” 

Now, Guza stands at the start of a new chapter eager to leverage her education for greater opportunities. Her passion for human resources led her to SCPS, where she honed her skills and gained the confidence to pursue her bachelor’s degree. After graduation Guza is excited to excel in her career, aligning her work with her aspirations and expertise.   

As she looks ahead to what’s next, Guza feels a sense of gratitude for the support she received at Loyola. From financial aid to professors who inspired her, she credits the school and her family for her success. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, family, and my closest friends for always believing in me. Your unwavering support means the world to me,” said Guza. She hopes to continue her educational journey by pursuing a master's degree to further enhance her skills and expand her professional opportunities. 

For Guza, graduation is not just a milestone; it highlights her determination and the possibilities that education offers. As she celebrates this momentous achievement, she extends her wishes for success to her fellow classmates, urging them to believe in themselves and embrace the future that lies ahead. 

In the heartwarming words of Kinga Guza, "Believe in yourself, and you will be unstoppable. As Chadwick Boseman once said, ‘Whatever you choose for a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.’ So, to my fellow graduates, let's go and fulfill our purpose in this life, whatever they may be. Once again, congratulations to all. We did it!”