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�Թ�tv (�Թ�tv) political science graduate Andre Cross will break through more than a few barriers when he walks across the stage to receive his diploma later this month.

His parents were born in Liberia in West Africa as members of the Kru tribe, an indigenous people known for fierce resistance to enslavement and capture during the Atlantic slave trade. His mother fled to the U.S. with other family members before the First Liberian Civil War in 1989. The couple settled in Loganville, Georgia, where Cross grew up. He graduated from Duluth High School in 2019.

“Being the son of an immigrant from Liberia, my path to this moment has been shaped by the dreams and sacrifices of my family,” said Cross. “Like many students at �Թ�tv, my family migrated to America for a better life. Despite the hardships faced by our parents as immigrants in a new country, all their hard work has paid off, allowing us to achieve what once seemed impossible. Many of our families began with little to nothing and worked hard to accomplish what seemed unattainable.”

Cross’ academic journey began at a different college where he started as a walk-on football player.

“At the time, I lacked confidence in myself as a student, and academics were not my priority,” said Cross. A season-ending injury ended his football dreams, and he struggled with coursework, which ultimately resulted on him being placed on academic probation. It was a low point that left him questioning himself and uncertain about his future.

“But it was also a turning point,” he said. “I realized I needed a fresh start and another chance to prove myself as a student, which led me to �Թ�tv.”

�Թ�tv proved to be the right choice. He chose to major in political science because of his passion for history.

“With the assistance of the �Թ�tv faculty, I turned around my academic career and raised my GPA above 3.0. The smaller class sizes at �Թ�tv enabled me to receive one-on-one instruction from the professors, which was extremely beneficial.”

Cross made the dean’s list after his very first semester. He went on to stack up one accomplishment after another, including working with Dr. Laura Young, associate professor of political science and chair of the Political Science, Criminal Justice and International Studies Department, on a paper that will be submitted for publication this summer. He also served this department as a student ambassador.

Cross secured an internship with the Georgia House of Representatives. State legislators were so impressed by his story and work ethic that they passed a resolution, H.R. 900, honoring Cross “whose journey is marked by resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to growth.” He was also presented with an Outstanding Citizenship Award from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, topping off an extraordinary academic journey.

“My time at �Թ�tv has instilled in me a passion for learning and a commitment to making a difference in the world,” said Cross. “This institution has not only equipped me with knowledge but has also instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dreams.”

After graduating, Cross plans to apply to graduate school and earn a master’s in political science.