Bre’Ijaha Swain-Garland graduated from Mercer University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to focus on my mental health and work toward some of the smaller goals I’ve set for myself. This time will allow me to recharge and gain clarity before moving on to my next steps. After the gap year, I hope to pursue a master’s in health sciences or public health, which will further prepare me for medical school and deepen my understanding of health systems. I’m excited to take this time to focus on both personal growth and professional development, so I can enter medical school with a clear vision and strong foundation.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Arielle Stambler, assistant professor of English, was my favorite professor because she created a classroom environment that was both intellectually rigorous and deeply compassionate. Her classes pushed me to think critically, write more clearly, and engage with complex texts in ways I hadn’t before. At the same time, she always made space for student voices, encouraged open dialogue, and treated every contribution with respect and care. What set her apart was not just her command of the material but her genuine investment in her students’ growth — both academically and personally. She inspired me to see learning as a collaborative, empowering experience, and her influence has stayed with me beyond the classroom.
What is one of your favorite Mercer memories?
While I don’t have one standout favorite memory at Mercer, the ones that mean the most to me are the times I spent going to campus activities with friends, study sessions in the library and cheering at football games. Whether we were stressing over exams together or showing up for campus events just to unwind and support the community, those moments built bonds I’ll always remember. It’s the laughter between classes, the late-night group chats, and the shared sense of “we got this” that made my time at Mercer genuinely meaningful.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class at Mercer was introduction to postcolonial studies with Dr. Stambler. It completely transformed how I read, write and think about literature, identity and power. Dr. Stambler created a space where complex global histories felt personal and urgent, and she challenged us to consider how colonial legacies still shape our world today. The readings were powerful, the discussions were deep, and I left that class feeling not only more intellectually engaged but also more grounded in my purpose as a student and a storyteller. It was the kind of course that stays with you long after the semester ends.
How do you plan on changing the world?
I don’t believe it’s the world we change — it’s the people. And through people, the world shifts. I plan to make an impact by showing up with compassion, challenging injustice when I see it, and using my voice and experiences to uplift others. Whether it’s through medicine, writing or community work, I want to help people see their worth, heal in every sense of the word, and realize they have the power to transform their own lives — and by extension the world around them.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Give yourself grace. College isn’t just about grades or a perfect four-year plan — it’s about growing, healing and finding your voice. There will be hard days, and that’s OK. Lean on your support system, ask for help when you need it, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The journey might not look how you imagined, but you’ll come out stronger, wiser and more resilient than you ever thought possible. Trust the process — and trust yourself.
How did Mercer prepare you for your future?
Mercer prepared me for my future by challenging me to think critically, act compassionately and lead with purpose. Through rigorous coursework, meaningful conversations with professors and the friendships I built along the way, I’ve gained the knowledge and resilience to tackle the challenges ahead. Mercer also helped me develop a deeper sense of self and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. The lessons I’ve learned here, both in and out of the classroom, have equipped me to step into my next chapter with confidence, knowing that my experiences at Mercer have shaped me into someone ready to contribute to the world in meaningful ways.
What makes Mercer special to you?
What makes Mercer special to me is the sense of community and the genuine care people have for each other. It’s a place where you’re not just another student — you’re a person whose story matters. The small class sizes, the close-knit relationships with professors, and the lifelong friendships I’ve formed here have made Mercer feel like home. Even during my toughest times, the support I received from both my peers and faculty helped me keep going and reminded me that I’m never alone. Mercer isn’t just a university; it’s a place where you grow, not only academically but as a person, with a deep sense of belonging and purpose.
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