Media Contact
Kenya King
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Perimeter College
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DECATUR, Ga. — Yahshevah Wilson (A.S. ’25) has always wanted to help people.
“It was either going to be teaching or nursing,” the soon-to-be Perimeter College graduate said.
She thought about being a kindergarten or first-grade teacher. After weighing her options though, Wilson decided nursing was the best path to pursue. Her grandmother was a nurse, and she’s happy to follow in those footsteps. Plus, she explained, nursing encompasses all aspects of life, including birth. After she completes her education, Wilson is interested in becoming a pediatric or labor and delivery travel nurse so she can meet new people, work with new families and see new places.
“I have always loved to travel,” she said, “and I love to help young children and babies. Becoming a travel nurse will give me an open opportunity to achieve both.”
Wilson graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School in DeKalb County, Ga., in May 2023 and was able to start at Perimeter the following month because of the opportunity afforded to her through the State Farm scholarship. She is the second oldest in her family, which includes eight kids, and the first among her siblings to start college and finish her associate degree.
Wilson values the time she has spent at Perimeter. “The things that I most enjoyed while being at Perimeter are how the classes are not that big, which allows me as a student to become closer to the professor, and how they get to know each student on a personal level.”
While at Perimeter, Wilson has gained work experience through the State Farm Scholars program. She has had an on-campus job in the registration office, where she conducted tours of the Decatur Campus and helped prospective students get their transcripts and other paperwork in order for their college applications. She also had the opportunity to learn about philanthropy with other State Farm Scholars when leadership from local nonprofits came to campus to share their stories with students. Wilson and other scholars got to present donations from State Farm to those nonprofits.
She also planned events on campus and volunteered at the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the community garden on Perimeter’s Decatur Campus.
After completing her associate degree within the Health Science Professions pathway at Perimeter, Wilson will continue her education at Georgia State University’s downtown Atlanta Campus in the fall, where she plans to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“The State Farm scholarship has meant a lot to me,” Wilson said. “It has helped me financially with tuition and has given me many new opportunities and helped me network. It has given me the space to be a part of groups and activities I would not have been able to experience without this scholarship program.”
The State Farm Scholars program was introduced at Perimeter College in 2017. Each year, Georgia State University aims to award up to 40 State Farm scholarships, primarily targeting students from DeKalb County high schools.
State Farm Scholars receive a need-based scholarship package of up to $4,000 each year, which covers their tuition and fees as full-time students. Additionally, they receive leadership training throughout the year, including opportunities for professional development and workshops on money management, résumé writing, job interviews and more. They also get valuable job experience by mentoring local high school students or working to support student success at Perimeter College. State Farm Scholars benefit from personalized support, guidance and academic advisement.
Once students graduate from Perimeter College with their associate degree, they can apply for the State Farm Transition Scholarship for their two years at Georgia State University’s downtown Atlanta Campus, where they will earn their bachelor’s degree.
— Story by Christy Petterson
— Photo by Bill Roa