Michael E. Zezefellis has been named as the Non-Traditional Student of the Month for October 2007. He was nominated by Michael Regina (also a non-traditional student here at UNCW) who had this to say about his roommate and former manager: “Michael came from Raleigh two years ago transferring from Wake-tech as an honor student and attended Cape Fear where he was able to maintain those honors. During this time Michael was able to inspire me, a 34-year old student who gave up a lucrative career to come back to school. More importantly he did nothing but speak highly of the institution at Wilmington and the professors he had.”

After high school, Michael worked part-time while becoming a certified graphic designer. Following his certification, he worked as a full time graphic designer, along with attending Wake Technical Community College full time at night, where he received an Associates’ degree in Internet Technologies. After receiving his degree and reaching the maximum for pay with his employment he decided to continue on the road of education; that is when he moved to Wrightsville Beach and started attending UNCW.

At 25 years of age, Michael maintains a GPA of 3.867 and anticipates graduating in 2009 majoring in Accounting. At Wake Tech, he was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society of the Two Year College. Since joining UNCW, he has taken the post of Vice President of the Non-Traditional Student Organization. He is also currently pledging to be in Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for Financial Information students and professionals.

When asked what special challenges he has faced or overcome as a non-traditional student, Michael says, “Learning that I don’t have to really be like a normal student. I can be a mentor to a lot of the students that currently have classes with. I also realized that I do appreciate the education I am working for, because there are a lot of students that come to this school and they are here because mom and dad think they should go here. So I feel like that I have a different appreciation for the education I am able to receive.

Michael says that his greatest achievement is being able to support himself while doing well in school and also being able to have a social life as well.

Michael would like to say thanks to “my friends and family for their support.” And when asked what he plans after he graduates he said “get a job, and maybe settle down where ever that job may take me.”

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The Seahawk Perch congratulates Michael E. Zezefellis as our October 2007 Non-Traditional Student of the Month! If you would like to learn how to nominate yourself or someone you know for this award, CLICK HERE.