Marisol Ponce Hopes Her Accomplishments Inspire RCSJ Students to "Truly Never Give Up"

Vineland – As a student graduating from Millville Senior High School in 2023, the thought of going to college was the furthest thing from Marisol Ponce’s mind.

Fast forward three years, Ponce exceeded her own expectations when she was selected as Rowan College of South Jersey–Cumberland’s (RCSJ) student commencement speaker at the College’s seventh annual graduation ceremony.

“I didn’t want to go to college out of high school. I didn’t take anything seriously,” Ponce, who majored in Social Services, said. “But then, when I actually started attending the College, I thought it was pretty cool. It was honestly more convenient to come here. It’s a 10-minute drive from my home.”

For someone whose college aspirations were a mere afterthought in high school, Ponce accrued a long list of accomplishments at RCSJ.

Along with being the student commencement speaker, Ponce, a first-generation student, was the Student Government Association’s [SGA] executive vice president, a member of Cru, and an intern with the American Federation of Teachers. She was also inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success – Sigma Alpha Pi, while maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

“My experience [at RCSJ] was amazing. I think my favorite part … is that I was able to do big things for myself at a community college,” Ponce said, humbly. “I feel like I’ve impacted the student government. I’ve advocated for so many students.

“I feel like I’ve learned so much and … the more I learned the more I shared with others. I hope that truly helps them walk with their heads a little higher.”

When Ponce first came to RCSJ, she wanted to pursue psychology. However, after taking some quiet moments to reflect on her life, she decided that she wanted to be a social worker instead.

“I want to work with kids and families,” she said. “You see on the news nowadays, like, everything [seems to be] in turmoil. We need a change in our system, and I would love to be a part of that.”

Ponce said her classes taught her a lot about the challenges that children and families go through.

“I really feel like a lot of issues stem from your childhood or your upbringing,” she said. “I feel like I [can] do something good [for them].”

When Ponce was a freshman at the College, she faced numerous adverse situations. In addition to family conflicts and mental health struggles, she was shy, immature, and had bouts with low self-esteem.

There were times when she seriously considered quitting school altogether. However, Ponce dug deep and continued to stay the course.

“Although these obstacles were challenging, I continued to pursue my faith in God and [leaned] on the unwavering support of my friends and family,” she explained. “My passion for my studies also fueled my motivation, as did my desire to be a light to others to overcome their own difficulties.

“I pray my strength and achievements help others realize that they are more than capable [of] overcoming anything that comes their way.”

Dr. Kellie W. Slade, executive director, Student Services, RCSJ, witnessed Ponce’s growth first-hand.

“Marisol did not have a ton of confidence when she came to RCSJ, but it grew with each meeting she attended, each class she worked on, and each leadership position she earned,” said Slade, who also oversees the SGA.

“Once she networked with RCSJ personnel in various departments … her personal, academic, and leadership journey began,” Slade continued. “She developed her own style and leadership blueprint. She was centered in her faith and through the Cru club, she blossomed into a wonderful young woman.”

Ponce acknowledged that Slade, Shania Santiago, senior supervisor of Student Life and Alumni Relations and Michelle Zakian, administrative assistant, Student Services, and a host of other RCSJ employees were instrumental in her evolution.

“[Michelle (who is also the Cru advisor) has] definitely helped me grow my faith,” Ponce said. “The One Stop department … helped me so much when it came to either picking my classes or dealing with issues outside of campus. Shania and Kellie helped me not only learn [how] to be a good student, but they’ve also taught me – in their own ways – to be a better person.”

“Even though I know I’m a pain in their butt … I know that I could go to them for anything,” she added, with a laugh.

The next step on Ponce’s higher education journey will take her to Stockton University where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. She is going to commute because she can’t stay away from her family too long and she’d miss her mom’s cooking.

Wherever her path takes her, Ponce will always have RCSJ in her heart. She is also thankful that she kept going, even when times were tough. The 2026 Cumberland campus student Commencement speaker shared some words of wisdom for present and future RCSJ students.

“I feel like this is kind of cliche, but truly never give up. I would have never had the opportunities I had in my life. I would have never truly gotten to know and love the people I love here," she said. "There were times when I looked back and if I gave up, I don’t think I would have graduated or I don’t think I would have been a student government leader.

“In the times where you feel defeated or about to give up, I want you to look at how far you have come. The goals or desires you have, whether that is pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or even exploring opportunities, are such powerful driving forces to push through challenges.”

For information about Rowan College of South Jersey's Behavioral Science and Law & Social Justice programs, visit RCSJ.edu.