In high school, your GPA can feel like it defines your whole future, but Nadia Suber is proving it doesn’t have to.
“I've been proud of myself because I've kept straight A's so far in college and high school wasn't exactly that,” Suber said.
Suber knew she wanted to continue to play volleyball after high school and pursue her degree in elementary education while staying close to home. She says Anne Arundel Community College “was a perfect opportunity” to do that.
The middle blocker played in 39 games over two years. Balancing those games, practices, classes and new independence pushed her in ways high school never had, but she rose to the challenge with support from the student-athlete success coordinator.
“I'm proud of myself to see the growth and change throughout my educational standards,” she said.
Her hard work paid off. This year she was selected for the 2026 Academic All-District® team and the Dean William Evans Award for a scholar-athlete on a women's team. Both recognize her academic accomplishments while balancing the requirements of being a student-athlete.
Passion for her major also has helped her take her classes seriously. She aspires to be a teacher one day and share these lessons with her own students.
“I've always loved working with kids, and I have a lot of memorable experiences with my elementary teachers,” she said.
Education Professor Jackie Gambone was her favorite professor, so it was especially inspirational to hear her speak at commencement.
“Graduates, do not be afraid to be excellent,” Gambone said during her commencement speech. “OWN it. … It’s not boastful or bragging. It is reaching for more. It is never quitting. It is practicing resilience. It is learning from our mistakes and growing from them. It’s about being a lifelong learner.”
Embracing an attitude of excellence helped Suber graduate summa cum laude and learn that a GPA does not define your future, the effort you put in does.