For Christopher Thorns, the journey to graduation at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is more than a personal milestone, it is a generational breakthrough.

A first-generation college student from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Thorns will cross the stage on Saturday, May 9, with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. For him and his family, this moment represents years of sacrifice, faith and belief.

"Honestly, it means the world to me," Thorns said. "A lot of experiences have been firsthand for us; it's been nothing short of a blessing."

Redefining Identity

When he arrived at NCCU, Thorns' saw himself through the lens of athletics. Years of competition had shaped his identity, discipline and drive. But college demanded something more, an evolution that required him to look beyond the track and reimagine his purpose.

That transformation began his sophomore year when he secured a marketing internship with NCCU Hospitality. What started as a job became a defining moment in his development.

"I saw what hard work was," he reflected. "That's when I noticed a change within myself and people began to gravitate towards me."

Stepping into Leadership

Encouraged by mentors and peers., Thorns stepped outside his comfort zone and ran forMister Junior. It was a move that required vulnerability, courage and a willingness to be seen.

"I never really knew what that consisted of," he said. "But I went for it."

That leap of faith marked the beginning of a leadership journey. Thorns went on to serve as the 26th Mister NCCU,using his platform to advocate for mental health, campus safety and professional development.

"I want to be that hope," he said. "A lot of people didn't see this for me, and I didn't see it for myself."

Brotherhood and Accountability

Central to his growth is his membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., where he found a brotherhood that reinforced discipline, accountability and excellence.

"It comes with standards," he said. "That accountability aspect really helped mold me into who I am today."

He also serves as a career eagle officer in NCCU's Career and Professional Development Center where Thorns mentors students through resume reviews, mock interviews and career preparation by drawing directly from his own experiences navigating uncertainty.

"I take it personal," he said. "I know how it feels not knowing, so when students come in here, I want to help them figure it out."

Thorns' journey was not without setbacks.

Despite doing everything "right" - attending career fairs, preparing materials and actively seeking opportunities - Thorns initially struggled to secure internships. Those moments of frustration became fuel, strengthening his resolve and deepening his commitment to persistence.

That persistence paid off.

After participating in the Aramark HBCU Emerging Leaders Program, Thorns secured a position in the Aramark Management Accelerator Program in Tampa Bay, Florida, a full-circle moment that validated years of hard work and faith.

"It started sophomore year when I didn't see it," he said. "And it led to something bigger… something I've been praying on for a long time."

The Next Chapter

Set to begin the role in July 2026, Thorns views this next chapter as both an opportunity and a responsibility. It represents independence, professional growth and the realization of a long-standing goal to build a future beyond what he once thought possible.

Throughout it all, his foundation has remained steady. Faith and family have anchored him during moments of doubt, including times when he questioned his place and battled imposter syndrome.

"I rely on God and my family," he said. "Those hard conversations, they keep me going."

As graduation approaches, Thorns is clear about what matters most.

"The thing I'm most proud of is that degree," he said. "That was the goal from the beginning, breaking that generational barrier."

Looking ahead, Thorns plans to pursue an MBA, enter real estate and one day return to North Carolina to invest in his community.

Still, his message to current and future Eagles is simple:

"It is possible. Believe in yourself, understand that you have a purpose."