Szhanesha and Shirley Becoat had a lot to celebrate in 2024. This mother and daughter pair graduated in the same ceremony after successfully completing degree programs from South University, Richmond. Szhanesha earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Shirley, her mother, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)1 at the same time!“I have always had the passion to help others. From the time I could talk, I knew I wanted a healthcare or mental healthcare job,” says Szhanesha. “Around the age of 2, I told my mother that I wanted to be a "murse" (nurse). Although I have not stayed true to that career, being a mental health therapist seemed like the perfect fit.”
After earning her undergraduate degree in 2020 from Virginia Commonwealth University, Szhanesha felt energized to chase her passion for mental health. Her search for the next step led her to the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at South University, Richmond.
“The small classes, easy access to staff and faculty, in-person and virtual options, and the passion and experience that came from the professors was exciting,” says Szhanesha. She adds, “I loved seeing professors that looked like me, which was far and few between during my undergraduate experience.”
Throughout the program, South University faculty and staff provided Szhanesha with support and encouragement. She especially appreciated their understanding during a difficult pregnancy. “Professors would shift to virtual classes so that I was able to attend when I wasn't able to make it out of the bed,” she says.
While earning her degree, Szhanesha worked part-time with the National Counseling Group to gain experience in the field. She also jumped at every opportunity South University had to offer. Today, she greatly appreciates the professional knowledge she has gained.
“South University taught me and exposed me to so many opportunities to be immersed in the mental health field. I will forever be grateful,” she says. “I was able to make connections with people that I would not have normally met. I was able to see the diversity of experiences in the mental health field. That is essential when you are used to being in spaces where the majority does not reflect who you are in appearance, culture, or beliefs.”
Shirley, Szhanesha’s mother, on the other hand, had always wanted to be a nurse. She achieved that dream and became a Licensed Practical Nurse when Szhanesha was around five. Shirley gained many experiences in nursing through traveling and teaching. However, she knew that more education could help her grow in the career she loved. When Szhanesha decided to attend South University, Richmond for her Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree, Shirley decided she too would enroll and pursue a BSN degree.
“We began studying together, her nursing and me mental health,” recalls Szhanesha. “We continued to strengthen and push each other with friendly competition about GPAs and test scores. We brought out the best in each other.”
For Shirley, South University provided the foundation to further her professional development. “She would talk about her fears and hesitations but she always was able to push through and muster up the courage to continue because South gave her pride and confidence,” says Szhanesha. “The nursing staff supported her even when she doubted herself. They helped her to become the top of her nursing class.”
South University is proud of all these two graduates have accomplished and their commitment to careers that help their communities! We’re honored to be part of their story.
Want Us to Feature Your Story?
If you’re a South University grad and want to share your experiences and accomplishments, log in to our Alumni Site and click Share Your Story in the Alumni Success section.
--
1 Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.
South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salaries.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared by Szhanesha Becoat in 2024.
South University, Richmond, and South University, Virginia Beach, are certified to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Title 23, Chapter 21.1, §23-276.4 of the Code of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th St; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu).
