Photo Courtesy of Matthew Rogers. 23-year-old Matthew Rogers, of Palmer Park, recently graduate from Bowie State University with a degree in business administration.

Published on: Wednesday, June 10, 2009

By Jessica Bauer

In this tumultuous economic times, Prince George’s Sentinel wondered what was going through the minds of local college graduates as they walked across the stage to pick up their diplomas. What kinds of challenges do they face and what is their outlook on trying to find a job in this downturned economy.

We spoke with recent Bowie State University graduate, Palmer Park resident Matthew Rogers, 23. Rogers graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration. He was a transfer student who came to Bowie State University to play football. Rogers is the first in his family to graduate from college. Here are his thoughts:

Sentinel: What are you doing in light of the poor economy? Are you having a hard time finding a job? Are you worried about what you will do now that you have graduated?

Rogers: I planned ahead and thus have already started my new job in my field. Since I am in management and already have my foot in the door, it is up to me at this point to perform and be a great asset to the company.

Sentinel: What made you decide to transfer to BSU?

Rogers: I transferred to Bowie State from Delaware State by way of Cheyney University. I know this is quite an experience going to so many universities. My moves were solely for athletics. Deciding to join the Bulldog family was not too bad noting that the majority of my family is from this area, and they had the opportunity to see me in action on the field.

Sentinel: What was your biggest challenge during your time at Bowie State University?

Rogers: One challenge I faced was with the athletic compliance officer at the university, who neglected to inform me that I was going to be ineligible to play because I was shy of two credits hours. If I was told earlier, I would have had the opportunity to enroll in a summer course to negate that problem. I also faced problems with the university’s financial aid office, the company that ran the off-campus apartments and the business school. I do understand that everything is not perfect and I have learned some life lessons that could not be found in the books. And with struggle comes progress. I honestly don’t think I would have appreciated my bachelor’s degree and all my other accolades if it had come easy to me. 

Sentinel: How does it feel to be the first person in your family to graduate from college? What advice do you have to students who are trying to decide whether to go to college or not?

Rogers: Being the first to graduate just makes me proud of the job my parents did to raise me, especially knowing most of the obstacles that we had as a family. Both my mother and father worked multiple jobs just to put me through DeMatha Catholic High School. I’m happy because I now serve as an example of perseverance in education to my family, especially my younger cousins. I will tell others who are battling with the thought of going to college to “just do it.” There are so many pluses to having a degree. Your base salary increases dramatically, plus you learn great information that you can use in your work experience and life.  

Sentinel: What made you decide to partake in all of your extra-curricular activities?

Rogers: A good friend of mine that was a past student at Bowie State told me I would have the best experience at this university if I got involved.  Through my involvement, I discovered that I am strong and a great leader. Thus the leadership position I held came naturally to me.

Sentinel: What advice would you give someone who is deciding whether to do a sport in college? Was it hard to balance academics and athletics?

Rogers: Sports at the colleague level are tough to do. But I know that I learned how to be a leader through playing football.

Sports actually forced me to be more conscious of my time management. It is not for everyone, but if you are blessed enough to do it, it makes the college experience even better. 

Sentinel: What is your favorite memory from attending BSU?

Rogers: Becoming a bother of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. would have to be my fondest memory.

I am an only child, but through my process with Iota I was blessed with two great line brothers who will be there for me for life. Not to mention the thousands of other brother I have internationally. 

Sentinel: Anything else that you would like to share?

Rogers: My experiences have shaped and molded me into who I am today and I would not change a thing. 

I just want to commend my parents. My parents do not have a college degree and had me at a young age, but they instilled in me the importance of education.

They also gave me great examples of work ethic in themselves. I saw the selflessness that they showed as they raised me and I honestly do not know where I would be without my strong parents.

My father taught me how to be a man, and my mother taught me what a real woman that respects herself is like.

Mom and Dad, I love you.