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Freshmen Saluqis commit to Southwest during inaugural academic National Signing Day

By Chris Caldwell 

It’s National Signing Day!

Faculty, staff and parents surround Saluqi freshmen during Southwest’s inaugural National Signing Day April 14, 2022.
Faculty, staff and parents surround Saluqi freshmen
during Southwest’s inaugural National Signing Day
April 14, 2022.

Congratulations to Marisa Guevara, Sarah Jones and Tasha Jordan on signing their letter of commitment to join the Saluqi family in fall 2022. They were the first students to participate in Southwest’s academic National Signing Day on April 14, 2022. 

National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) National Signing Day, now in its ninth year, is an opportunity for colleges across the nation to celebrate first-time college freshmen who are planning to enter a Technical Education Certificate or A.A.S. programs. The event is modeled after NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college. 

Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Cory Major welcomed the students to the Macon Cove Campus and congratulated them on overcoming far more than most to achieve their high school credential. “During these uncertain times, it takes vision and sheer grit to be successful,” Major said. “I salute your determination and desire to keep moving forward to your dreams.”

In return for their commitment, and on behalf of Southwest, Major pledged the following: 

  • We pledge to provide you with knowledgeable, experienced faculty and state-of-the-art classroom and laboratories.
  • We pledge to expose you to the very equipment you will use when you enter the workplace.
  • We pledge to provide you with unparalleled support and career guidance.
  • We pledge that when you earn your Southwest credential, you will be skilled and prepared for your career. 
  • You will be a first-round draft pick in the workforce. Employers in Memphis and beyond will seek you out to join their organizations.
  • And we will be here, cheering you on! Your success is our greatest reward. 

Guevara, a Cordova High School senior, plans to earn an Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) degree.  Jones, a home-schooled student, is interested in the Interactive Multimedia Production concentration of the Graphic Arts Technology (GART) program and Jordan will be joining the Allied Health Sciences program.

Southwest’s welcoming and supportive staff is one of the reasons why Guervara chose Southwest. Once she finishes the EMT program, she plans to enter the workforce. “I love the health care field – that and my love for others is why I chose to be in a medical service program. I believe that with my compassion and knowledge I will be a wonderful paramedic and can make a difference in people’s lives.”

A mother of four and wife, Jordan is excited to finally pursue her education. “As I’ve gotten older, my thirst for knowledge increased but due to old traumas, I receded within myself and allowed my fears to keep me hostage from attending school. Now, at the age of 35, and after constant prayer and reflection, I know Southwest is the best choice for me.” Jordan’s dream is to become a midwife, once she obtains her degree. “I hope to use my degree to also educate young black women on the female body, health care and pregnancy,” she said. 

Jordan and Guevara said they appreciated Southwest’s new academic signing day. “The signing day experience was amazing,” Jordan said. Guervara added that it made her feel special and even more eager to start the fall season than she already was. 

After signing their national letter of commitment, the students joined other new Saluqis for Saluqi Day in the Nabors Auditorium where they enjoyed live music, food and fellowship with Southwest faculty and staff while learning more about the college’s programs and student-supported services.