SENIOR PROFILE: Derika Gray's journey almost complete

Derika Gray


The alarm rings at 7 a.m. Derika Gray anticipates the pending graduation day for Claflin University.

Her usual day of classes begins and ends in the library.

It didn’t take long for her to get adjusted to living at Claflin on Russell. She’s used to adapting quickly and efficiently to new changes.

Derika was determined to graduate with a 3.2 GPA or higher. She worked tirelessly to achieve that goal.

Derika is the kind of person you would choose as a friend for life.

Born on July 25, 1996, she hails from Florence, South Carolina.

Back in high school, Derika and her guidance counselor began to research colleges and historically black colleges and universities. After deciding with her guidance counselor that an “HBCU” would be the best fit, Derika found herself at Claflin University.

Four years later, Derika is less than a week away from graduating Claflin University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in education.

The thing Derika will miss the most is the memories of Claflin.

“I will miss the good memories I created the most. I hope that I stay in touch with the friends I made here for the rest of my life.”

Derika cites children as a huge part of her long-term goal.

“I decided to look into psychology and then minor in education because I work with children and find their lives interesting as far as their cognitive development. So I want to be a guidance counselor and one day own a few daycares of my own.”

Derika can’t wait for graduation day.

“I’m excited as freak man. It’s been four long years and it’s time to begin my career.”

After graduation, Derika will began working as well as joining the counselor education program at the University of South Carolina or Francis Marion University.