Destiny Pope said that when she arrived at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in fall 2021, she wasn’t sure where her college career would take her.
Now, she’s preparing to walk across the McKenzie Arena stage during May 3 undergraduate commencement ceremonies—joining her twin sister, Dynasty, who is earning a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance.
Destiny will officially graduate in August with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. A Chattanooga native and 2021 graduate of Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, she has been an active student leader throughout her time at UTC—with significant involvement in the Decosimo Success Center and the First in Fletcher program.
Her efforts and campus involvement paid off: Before graduation, she had already secured a full-time recruiter position with Insight Global following a competitive four-round interview process.
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As a participant in ThinkAchieve, an experiential learning program at UTC, she was asked to write a personal reflection. For Pope, what started as a class requirement quickly became something more.
“I think when I was doing that, I really just kind of had a flashback to me walking on this campus as a freshman,” she said. “That was my gratitude on paper—to simply put it honestly.”
The piece that follows, Pope said, is not only a thank you to the programs and mentors that shaped her—including Decosimo Success Center Director Kimberly Thomas and ThinkAchieve Experiential Learning Coordinator Bengt Carlson—but also a message to future students about the power of getting involved and finding purpose.
“It’s so amazing to me and so heartfelt to me when God can take somebody like me and just kind of blast them off and allow them to soar so high,” she said. “All credit to God.”
— Chuck Wasserstrom
Destiny Pope, Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025, in Fletcher Hall. Photo by Angela Foster.
Looking back on my time at UTC, one of the most defining aspects of my college experience has been my involvement with the First in Fletcher Council and the Decosimo Success Center. These spaces have not only nurtured my professional growth but also helped shape my identity as a first-generation college student, a student leader, and an aspiring human resources professional. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, learning curves, meaningful connections, and transformative moments that I’ll carry with me long after graduation.
Since joining First in Fletcher as a sophomore, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to serve on two different council committees. These roles have pushed me to grow both personally and professionally, giving me a front-row seat to what it means to lead with intention and serve with purpose. This semester, I continued my involvement as a member of the Marketing Committee, where I explored a new dimension of engagement within the College of Business. Through creating social media content that highlighted impactful women during Women’s History Month and sharing our personal testimonials about First in Fletcher, I saw firsthand how consistent and thoughtful engagement can elevate visibility and strengthen a community’s identity. It was rewarding to witness our increased brand recognition and know that I played a part in helping foster that connection.
Beyond the technical skills, what has mattered most to me are the relationships and mentorship I’ve found. The Decosimo Success Center and First in Fletcher have been cornerstones of my college life. I’ve been able to connect with Ms. Emily and the other advisors, forming a tight-knit network of support that has carried me through the highs and lows of this journey. As a first-gen student, learning to navigate college systems can be overwhelming—but I’ve not only learned to navigate them; I’ve learned how to thrive.
One pivotal moment was when the Success Center encouraged me to attend the Power of We event—something I initially hesitated to do. That small push made a huge difference. It set off a chain of events that led me to take more initiative in my career, culminating in my summer internship as a Talent Acquisition Intern at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. That experience solidified my passion for human resource management and gave me a deeper understanding of the field I plan to pursue.
Another major milestone was when the College of Business encouraged me to engage with Insight Global. What began as a conversation turned into a four-round interview process that ultimately led to a job offer for a recruiter position—secured even before graduation. These moments have been more than just professional wins; they’ve been personal affirmations that I belong in these spaces and that I have something valuable to contribute.
Curiosity also led me to a larger initiative this semester—one that I’m particularly proud of. I began conversations with leaders within the College of Business to explore how the First in Fletcher model could be implemented across other colleges at UTC. With the support of Dr. (Artanya) Wesley, Ms. Stacie Grisham, and Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste, I’ve started laying the groundwork for this vision. These conversations are about more than just expanding a program—they’re about fostering a culture of belonging and increasing student retention by making sure more students feel seen, heard, and supported.
Throughout this experience, I’ve learned how to advocate for students, how to build meaningful connections, and how to turn a concern into action. I’ve learned the power of being a bridge—someone who can connect ideas with people, and people with opportunity. Working at the Decosimo Success Center for nearly two years has been the scariest—yet most rewarding—risk I’ve ever taken. What started as a leap of faith turned into one of the most transformative experiences of my college career. From the very beginning, Ms. Kim, the director of the Decosimo Success Center and one of the driving forces behind First in Fletcher, welcomed students like me with open arms. She created a space where we could grow, belong, and lead. Watching her advocate so fiercely for First in Fletcher, and being able to count on her unwavering support, has shown me what it truly means to lead with strength, integrity, and vision.
She’s not only been a mentor, but a facilitator of change—and her example has left a lasting impact on how I aspire to lead in the future. From Ms. Kim, who helped expand my circle of influence, to the many leaders who have poured into me along the way, I’ve been blessed with a community that believes in me—and because of that, I’ve learned to believe in myself.
Over the past few months, I’ve come to realize just how deeply meaningful giving back is to me. What once started as a small desire to be more involved has grown into a true passion for service and community. This semester, I challenged myself to volunteer in more diverse ways, seeking out opportunities that would allow me to connect with different people and causes. I had the joy of supporting my twin sister during her first 5K marathon, lending a hand at the Chatt Foundation by serving dinner to those in need, and helping clean up litter and debris around a local community recreation center. Each experience reminded me that volunteering isn’t just about helping others—it transforms you. It opens your eyes to lives and stories beyond your own, deepens your empathy, and inspires you to become an active force for positive change in your community.
In conclusion, my time at UTC—especially through First in Fletcher and the Decosimo Success Center—has been nothing short of life-changing. It’s been a season of discovery, growth, and purpose. As I prepare for the next chapter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ready to continue making a difference. I’ve been inspired, empowered, and shaped by my time here—and I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and pass it on, creating ripples that go far beyond me.
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Gary W. Rollins College of Business
“Over the past few months,” Destiny Pope said, “I’ve come to realize just how deeply meaningful giving back is to me. What once started as a small desire to be more involved has grown into a true passion for service and community.”
