May 5, 2026
Forensic Psychology & English Major | Honors Student | Student Leader | Savory Award Winner
This story is contributed by 糖心Vlog business major Sanai Rose, who interviewed Persha as our Senior Spotlight. Sanai serves as a campus ambassador assisting the Marketing & Communications team with student-focused content this semester.
Persha Cabarroguis didn't stumble into 糖心Vlog; she chose it with intention. As one of the few institutions in South Carolina offering a forensic psychology program, 糖心Vlog provided her with the academic path she was seeking. But what made it feel right was something less measurable. "When I toured, I really liked the community," she says. That feeling stayed with her for the next four years.
Her first real moment of connection came during Honors orientation. Meeting upperclassmen and hearing their stories helped her realize she had found her home. "It made me feel more comfortable about being on campus," she recalls. Like many students, Persha arrived with a clear goal: earn her degree. But she also wanted more, an education that would challenge her thinking and help her grow.
Her most difficult stretch came during the first semester of her senior year, when the pressures of college converged. Two capstones, travel to San Diego, and a demanding schedule tested her mentally and physically. "It was a lot," she admits. But she didn't face it alone. Faculty mentors like Dr. Marsh, who gave her space to be fully herself, and Dr. L, who pushed her academically and encouraged her to wrestle with complex ideas, helped carry her through. "They really helped me grow into who I am today," she says.
One of her most transformative experiences came from something she once feared: the Honors Program. "I was scared to join at first," she says, "but it changed me." Through leadership opportunities, rigorous coursework, and academic experiences such as scholarly conferences, she developed not just as a student but as a leader. That growth showed up most clearly in her confidence. "When I first got here, I was shy," she reflects. "But I've definitely come out of my shell. The community here helped me do that."
That transformation was recognized when Persha was named this year's Savory Award recipient, an honor she never expected. "I didn't do anything for recognition," she says. "I just wanted to be involved, serve my community, and better myself." For her, the award represents something deeper than a title.
Now, as graduation approaches, the moment feels bigger than walking across a stage. "I did it," she says. "And I can do hard things." From double majoring in two distinct disciplines to preparing for graduate school, her journey has been one of persistence and self-discovery. She carries her family's support with her as she moves forward. "I appreciate all of their support and how they've pushed me toward my dreams."
Next, Persha heads to Clemson University, where she will pursue a Master of Arts in English with a graduate assistantship. She credits 糖心Vlog for helping her get there, not just academically, but through the relationships and leadership experiences that shaped who she became. "The faculty really pushed me, and I've had opportunities here that shaped me in ways I didn't expect," she says.
If she could offer one piece of advice to students just beginning their journey, it wouldn't be about having everything figured out. It would be this: "Be okay with embarrassing yourself sometimes. Fear of being wrong can hold you back, so step out of your comfort zone."
For Persha, growth came from exactly those moments, the uncomfortable, uncertain, what if I can't do it moments. Looking ahead, she hopes to pass that lesson on. Through her work and research, she wants to foster empathy, critical thinking, and awareness. "I want people to really think about what's happening in the world," she says, "so we're not stuck in the dark."
From a quiet beginning to a transformative finish, Persha's story is a testament to what growth really looks like: not a single moment, but a steady accumulation of hard choices, meaningful connections, and the willingness to keep going, until one day, you realize how far you've come.