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  • Fall 2023 Commencement: Sadara Wagner Overcomes Obstacles To Succeed at Tri-C

Fall 2023 Commencement: Sadara Wagner Overcomes Obstacles To Succeed at Tri-C

Old Brooklyn resident to receive administrative specialist certificate

Graphic of Sadara WagnerSadara Wagner thought she had lost her motivation after her first semester at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®). The first-generation student had completely failed her courses and was ready to give up when she found the support she needed to turn her journey into a story of second chances, resilience and determination.

"I wasn’t going to go to college at first because I didn’t want to pay loans, but then I learned more about the Say Yes scholarship program, and it motivated me to try," Wagner said. "I'm so glad I did. I met so many amazing people who could relate to me and help me grow in the areas I needed to be successful. I never thought I would love college, but I love Tri-C because it has been good to me.

Wagner’s professors, staff and academic coaches gave her the resources and support to push on and find success. Now she carries a 3.35 GPA.

The Old Brooklyn resident is set to receive an administrative specialist certificate during the College’s Fall Commencement on Dec. 14 at the Wolstein Center.

A student government senator and the Campus Activities Board (CAB) president, Wagner is already pursuing an associate degree in business technology, which she expects to complete in Spring 2025, and is considering a four-year degree in administration.

Tell us about yourself.
I really have a heart for people. I love to help, and I love unity. I love to watch a crowd smiling and enjoying themselves. If I can put a smile on someone’s face before I lie down at night and close my eyes, I know I did something good.

Why did you choose Tri-C?
I chose Tri-C because I kept hearing so many good things about the College. I was originally going to Bryant & Stratton College and was told to give Tri-C a try. I decided to stay once I realized how affordable it was. I loved that there were so many courses available. I first enrolled in 2020.

How has Tri-C changed your life?
Tri-C is like a second home to me. I have gone through so many life-changing events while attending Tri-C, and I had so much help and support. Professor O’Brien gave me grace and saw me as a human, empathizing with my hardships. Lisa Horvath and Sue Dieterich also helped me so much and empathized with me during a tough time in my life. DeAnte Ware encouraged me to keep going to pursue my associate degree in business technology. I just really appreciate the genuine staff who are there to really be of help to the students and coach us to grow. Tri-C gave me like-minded people to grow and learn with. Tri-C gave me a family outside of my family. Tri-C literally gave me hope and a future. If I hadn’t chosen Tri-C, I don’t know where I’d be on my college journey.

Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program?
Say “hello” to that person you walk past. You never know where it could take you. You can miss out on good opportunities when you close yourself off from your surroundings. Do something you normally wouldn’t do. The more you find out what’s offered and the more you get engaged, the more you will get out of college life and life in general.

Cuyahoga Community College will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on Dec. 14 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2023.

December 10, 2023

By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu

© 2025 Cuyahoga Community College
700 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

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