Degree interrupted: Venezuelan refugee finds her way to GGC to complete college dream

Laura Davis was 21 years old and just two academic quarters short of a psychology degree when she had to drop everything and flee her home country of Venezuela, carrying one small suitcase through the Colombia border and crossing into an uncertain future.

Davis grew up in Maracaibo, Venezuela's second-largest city, which sits at the mouth of an inlet between the Gulf of Venezuela off the Caribbean Sea and Lake Maracaibo, the largest lake in South America. It was once a beautiful tourist destination, but in recent years corruption in the government, disease and soaring crime rates have turned the cities of Venezuela into dangerous places. The ongoing humanitarian emergency created the largest displacement crisis in the world, with almost 7.7 million migrants and refugees outflowing from the country. In 2018, Davis finally had to make the hard choice between her beloved home country and her safety.

"As I stood in line at Colombia's immigration office, which bordered my beloved but destroyed country, the words of [leader of South American independence] Simón Bolívar echoed from the walls: 'To achieve victory, it has always been essential to tread the path of sacrifices,'" Davis recalls. "With my fellow Venezuelans beside me, and while clutching a single suitcase filled with dreams and expectations, I couldn't help but feel the weight of those words as I embarked on the journey ahead."

Davis says it was excruciating leaving college so close to completing her degree, but it was a sacrifice she had to make.

"It was deeply discouraging at the beginning, but my desire to continue my education and pursue my dreams was stronger," she said.

Davis found her way from South America to Lawrenceville, where it didn't take long to hear about a little college in Gwinnett County that might offer her a chance to fulfill her dreams.

"My now-husband Drew was a nursing student at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) when I finally had the chance to go back to school," she says. "Because of his experience, GGC's affordable pricing and the school's proximity, I decided to pursue my academic aspirations within its walls, and I could not be happier with my decision."

Davis will finally receive her degree in psychology at GGC's May 9 commencement ceremony.

She says her favorite memories from her time as a Grizzly are from participating in the RISEUP (research in social equity with undergraduates in psychology) research lab. Its mission is to provide scientific evidence that will improve access to legal, educational and public health resources for marginalized populations.

"Every single experience I shared at the RISEUP Lab will be memories I'll cherish for the rest of my life," she says. "Getting to know awesome students with similar mindsets and inspiring points of view has motivated me and changed me in so many positive ways. There is so much power in feeling welcomed and connected with inspiring individuals, faculties and students alike."

Davis said becoming part of GGC's community felt like finding a place where her dreams mattered more than her circumstances, and where her ethnic background was perceived as a desirable trait rather than a weakness.

"GGC offered me the most valuable opportunity to grow and evolve as both an individual and future professional in a different and diverse culture," says Davis. "Most importantly, GGC showed me that, when pursuing professional aspirations, it does not matter where you come from, what language you speak, the color of your skin or the zeroes in your bank account. All you need is a desire to learn and the willingness to work hard and be patient."

After graduation, Davis plans to seek a Ph.D. in social psychology.

"I am eager to collaborate closely with a research lab whose work inspires and intrigues me. My overarching goal is to contribute meaningfully to the academic community and, in turn, positively influence our modern society."

Davis, who is the commencement student speaker, will be among more than 900 students who will graduate at GGC's spring 2024 commencement, taking place at 10 a.m. May 9 at Gas South District in Duluth.