From my very first day all the way to my last semester, I can’t emphasize enough how BSU helped me prepare, set and reach my goals. My professors were all instrumental in my success, whether it be my job or the awards I’ve received, they really helped lay out the path and walked it with me.
Since graduating from college this past spring, Gina Godwin has refused to let a global pandemic slow her down.
Over the last six months she has passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, landed a lucrative job, and is the recipient of not one but two accounting awards.
“It’s all pretty astonishing,” Godwin said.
The California native transferred to 51Թ via California State University-Fullerton.
Raised in Orange County, Godwin’s visits with her father and stepmother (who live in the Boston area) put Bridgewater State on her radar.
“I did my research and felt it was the best option for me,” Godwin said.
If her current success is any indication, the decision was a good one.
Upon graduating from BSU with a perfect grade point average, she learned she was one of 50 students in the country – and the only one from Massachusetts – to be awarded a CPA Exam Scholarship Award from the . The money she received helped with the loan she took out to cover the costly CPA fees.
Godwin also received an Outstanding Senior Award from ’s Boston Chapter. This accolade was particularly meaningful to Godwin, as she was recommended by her BSU professors.
“To be told by my professors that they had collaborated and chosen me…it came as a surprise,” she said.
Passing the CPA exam in less than six months also amazed Godwin, and in a strange way the coronavirus played a role. The exam consists of four, four-hour sections and is known to be highly rigorous.
“I studied really hard and used isolation during COVID-19 to dive deep into studying,” Godwin said. “My goal was to pass all four (sections) before I started my new job.”
Pass she did, and this past September she began working for as an associate in state and local government.
While most of Godwin’s success is undoubtedly a result of her work ethic, she says it was her time at Bridgewater State that truly helped propel her.
“From my very first day all the way to my last semester, I can’t emphasize enough how BSU helped me prepare, set and reach my goals,” Godwin said. “My professors were all instrumental in my success, whether it be my job or the awards I’ve received, they really helped lay out the path and walked it with me.”
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu