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Welcome to Pioneer Family Corner, a monthly feature on the William Paterson University Family Portal that celebrates the voices, stories, and lived experiences of our WP community. Each month, we highlight a family, student, or campus partner who shares their unique journey and reflects on what it truly means to be part of the Pioneer family.

Through these stories, we hope to strengthen connections, elevate family perspectives, and highlight the many ways our Pioneer community shows up for one another.

Do you or your family have a story to share? We would love to hear from you!
➡️ Submit your story to be considered for a future Pioneer Family Corner feature

We look forward to celebrating more Pioneer stories throughout the year.

Meet the Salaykos

Hometown: Newton, NJ

As part of our Pioneer Family Corner: New Incoming Family Edition, we are proud to welcome one of our newest Pioneer families — the Salaykos.

For the Salaykos, this milestone represents far more than the start of college. It is a moment defined by perseverance, strength, and pride. Their daughter, Cassandra, has overcome significant challenges along her journey, and her decision to attend William Paterson University to pursue a degree in psychology reflects both her resilience and her desire to give back by helping others.

As they prepare to send Cassandra off to campus, the Salaykos shares their excitement, hopes, and heartfelt reflections on this important transition — a moment filled with both emotion and celebration.

The following responses were shared by the Salaykos as part of the Pioneer Family Corner Q&A and are presented in their own words.

Tell us a little about your family and your student. What makes this moment special for you?
“We are a family of three, and Cassandra is our only child. When she was younger, she went through challenges, including open heart surgery and anxiety that made attending school difficult at one point. This is such a special time for us because she conquered all of her challenges. She persevered when times were difficult, and her decision to attend William Paterson and pursue a degree in psychology to help other children has made this moment so meaningful for all of us. William Paterson was her first choice, and she got in — that makes this moment even more special.”

What are you most excited about as your student begins their journey at William Paterson?
“We are excited about this new chapter for Cassandra. We can’t wait to see her new journey, her new friends, her new life, and what she will make of it.”

How are you feeling as you prepare for this transition to college life?
“It is a bit overwhelming. We are sad and happy at the same time. We thank God that we are here to see our daughter take her next steps in life. She will be staying on campus, and letting her go is very difficult. But our job as parents is to give our children roots and wings. We are so happy to give her wings and to see her fly.”

What are your hopes for your student’s first year—academically, personally, or socially?
“We hope she adjusts to her classes and this new way of life. We want her to focus academically while also building a social life. She recently tried out for the cheer team and worked very hard all weekend — she was one of only 20 selected and is now part of the Pioneer Cheer Team. This means so much to her, as she has been cheering since age 5. We hope she finds a new family through this experience and that she makes William Paterson her home.”

What does being part of the Pioneer Family mean to you, and how would you like to stay connected?
“It means so much to be part of the Pioneer family. We proudly tell our family and friends that we are Pioneers! We are excited to watch her cheer at football games, see her succeed in her classes, and continue to grow. The Pioneer family has already embraced us, and we can’t wait to experience even more once the fall begins.”

If you could share one piece of advice or encouragement with other new families, what would it be?
“Although it is difficult watching your child enter this next phase and letting go, it is also the most rewarding. On those days when it feels hard, remember that you are doing right by them. You are helping them grow and supporting their journey. We give our children roots and wings — let them fly. It will be okay, and we are blessed to watch them succeed.”

The Salaykos story reflects the strength, resilience, and love that define the beginning of the college journey. Their experience reminds us that this transition is not only about letting go, but also about celebrating growth, possibility, and the bright future ahead.

Pioneer Family Corner exists to uplift stories like this — stories of new beginnings, perseverance, and pride — and we are honored to welcome the Salaykos into our WP community.

Are you a new incoming family that would like to share your Pioneer story? Submit your story today!