1,185 cap college career at YSU

YOUNGSTOWN — It was easy to tell how Rayshone M. Oliver felt about a major turning point in her life by the glow on her face.

“I can’t stop smiling,” Oliver said after having received her diploma at today’s spring commencement 2012 in Youngstown State University’s Beeghly Center. “I feel accomplished; I feel intelligent and completely overwhelmed with success.”

Oliver, who was one of the first members of her family to take home a degree from YSU, also was one of 1,185 graduates to take part in the Saturday ceremonies, one each for graduates and undergraduates.

Oliver majored in biology with a minor in chemistry and hopes soon to begin a career as a pharmaceutical representative, she noted.

In the meantime, summer plans include looking for a job in her field and spending more time with her son, Elion, 8, and daughter, Elijen, 11, who attended the ceremonies.

Also present was Oliver’s mother, Lisa Johnson, who wasn’t shy about expressing her feelings about her daughter’s achievement. “I’m so proud of her,” Johnson said. “She has worked so hard.”

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com