As a child, elementary education major Brandon Tice was always passionate about helping individuals with disabilities and exceptionalities. Tice's passion for helping others who learn or act differently began after his three siblings (triplets) were born prematurely and developed multiple diagnoses, one being Autism Spectrum Disorder, that would go on to affect their lives and their overall educational journey.

This semester, at least 2,963 students are eligible to graduate, and more than 1,871 students are expected to walk in the three ceremonies in Bartow Arena.

UAB elementary education major Matthew Norris says, after arriving in America, he had little knowledge of the new culture his life would be impacted by, let alone the educational system.