As students go through their formative years in college, there are many honors they can accumulate. One of the most widely known here in America is the Dean’s List, an award given to those who, at Kean University, achieve a GPA of 3.45 or higher during the semester.
This month, qualifying undergraduate students had the opportunity to receive certificates highlighting their achievement and take a photo to commemorate the experience. Four of those students from the College of Liberal Arts and at various stages of their academic careers discussed the steps that led them to Dean’s List, who inspired them across their journeys, and what the achievement means to them personally.
The Steps to Success: Consistency, Perseverance, Discipline & Determination
Getting Dean’s List isn’t easy, but it is doable. Awardee David Macaulay-Smith, a senior majoring in Communications with a focus in Journalism from Woodbridge, NJ, got his spot by being disciplined and staying consistent. “I had to manage my time carefully so I could fully focus on my work without letting anything fall behind.”
Even while juggling classes, multiple jobs, and an internship, Macaulay-Smith emphasized getting the most out of each class. “I made it a priority to truly understand the material instead of just completing assignments,” he recalled. “I made sure I stayed on top of everything.”
Fellow senior Justina Dejesus, a Psychology major from Whitehouse Station, NJ, agreed. “I also pushed myself to ask for help when I needed it, which made a big difference.”
Seniors aren’t the only students pushing themselves to this achievement. Junior Susan Berube, a double major in English and Journalism from Elizabeth, NJ, described how her perseverance and determination to excel led to her getting on the list. “Bing a first-generation student, I knew I wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of my success,” she recalled.
“A Personal Benchmark” for Academics and Beyond
More than just a pretty certificate and a resume byline, achieving Dean’s List is a representation of how hard work pays off, and how success is often measured in steps, not leaps. It can go far beyond the realm of academics to impact every part of a student’s life.
“It shows that all the effort and dedication I put into my classes hasn’t gone unnoticed,” Macaulay-Smith commented. “At the same time, it’s humbling because I know there are a lot of students working just as hard, and I don’t take this kind of recognition for granted.”
Sophomore Kevin Modeszto, a Journalism major from Port Reading, NJ, highlighted how the achievement proves to him that he can succeed in college. “I’ve had a lot of doubters over the years,” he remembered. “I use that as my fuel to get better and better.”
A first-generation student like Berube, Dejesus explained how the award carries a special meaning for her. “It represents growth, dedication, and proving to myself that I am capable of succeeding,” she said.
As Macaulay-Smith puts it, “It’s a personal benchmark that reminds me that hard work pays off, but it also keeps me grounded and encourages me to continue learning and growing.”
The Inspirations Behind the Award
Like all successful figures, there are certain inspirations in these students’ lives that have motivated them to keep going. From family to faculty, friends to the self, these inspirations are necessary for success.
Macaulay-Smith cited several professors in his department as inspirations for both his academic and personal life. “They’ve been supportive, approachable, and motivating, and learning from them has shaped the way I approach my studies.”
Modeszto recalled all his mentors and friends who believed in him, which motivated him to prove them right. “I have some incredible people in my corner and life; my grandmother, in particular, never got a chance to finish her education. I know I am incredibly privileged to have a chance to be a college student, so I also use that as fuel.”
Berube, meanwhile, highlighted her progress as a first-generation student. “[It] will always be my #1 inspiration—as I want to accomplish all that my parents never got the chance to, now that I have the opportunity.”
Thinking about her community helps her get through as well. “If I set myself up in a position where I am succeeding, I can help others and have even more of an impact on my community – which has always been one of my passions.”
Similarly, Dejesus explained how her family is her biggest inspiration. “Knowing that I want to create a better future for myself and make them proud keeps me motivated. Their sacrifices remind me why I need to stay focused and continue working hard.”
Advice for Students on How to Succeed
“Do what YOU need to do to succeed,” Modeszto advised. “Advice pages are great, the typical tricks work for some, but everybody learns, studies, and works differently. College is when you find what works for you.”
“My biggest advice is to stay consistent and disciplined,” Macaulay-Smith said, echoing his earlier steps to success. “Showing up and putting in effort every day, even if it feels small, makes a huge difference over time. Don’t overthink or overstudy. Focus on truly understanding the material, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”
“The advice I would give to students is to never, at any point, feel discouraged and as if they cannot accomplish something,” Berube added. “Most of the time, we are the ones that prevent ourselves from succeeding because we don’t have enough confidence in ourselves to believe we can do it. Well, you can. Don’t convince yourself otherwise.”
Dejesus ended off with a word of wisdom. “Remember your ‘why,’” she said, “because that will keep you going.”
It can be hard to balance your priorities when navigating college and life. Whether one views it as an academic milestone or a personal benchmark, Dean’s List is a reflection of that balance, and an acknowledgement of the hard work that many of us put in to succeed.
