Alumni Profile: Nathan Moon finds purpose in mathematics and helping others

When Nathan Moon enrolled at Seminole State College of Florida, he was looking for a new direction. What began as a practical decision to pursue a college education eventually became a journey of discovery, one that led him to a passion for mathematics, meaningful mentorships and a desire to help other students succeed.

Today, after graduating from Seminole State in Summer Term 2026, Moon is continuing that journey as a mathematics student at Rollins College, with plans to pursue opportunities in data analytics, business intelligence or actuarial science.

Discovering a mathematical passion

Moon came to Seminole State with a GED and years of experience working in the trades. He initially planned to study accounting, approaching college with a straightforward goal: find a career path and get to work. However, as he became more involved on campus and connected with faculty, his perspective began to change.

“I thought I was too old to go after anything I would be interested in,” Moon said. “The only factor was: get a job, get it now, get it fast. And somewhere along the way, great things just kept happening.”

Those “great things” included discovering an unexpected love for mathematics. Moon explored several academic paths, including engineering and education, before finding his place in mathematics. One of the most influential people in that journey was Professor of Mathematics Grace Nasnas, whom he met while taking a course on statistical methods.

“She was passionate and compassionate,” Moon said. “She was helpful in everything, and I always went to her office hours, not even just for asking help on the homework, but to discuss a future in mathematics.”

What began as a professor-student relationship developed into a lasting mentorship. Moon later wrote a reference letter for Nasnas when she was recognized with the Association of Florida Colleges Professor of the Year Award. Nasnas also advocated for Moon to become a tutor at Seminole State’s Academic Success Center at the Altamonte Springs Campus.

Finding help at the Academic Success Center

For Moon, that opportunity became one of the most meaningful parts of his Seminole State experience. He initially spent time in the Academic Success Center as a student, seeking help with everything from mathematics to navigating the technology and systems of the College. Eventually, he became the person on the other side of the table, helping fellow students work through their own challenges.

“The chance to be helpful to the other students was the best gift that was ever given to me,” Moon said.

He became especially passionate about helping students who were convinced they could not succeed in mathematics. Many of the students he worked with were pursuing nursing and needed to complete college-level mathematics courses before entering the program. He saw firsthand how a little encouragement and support could change a student's outlook.

“I don’t really think anyone is bad at math,” he said. “I think people just are afraid of it.”

That belief reflects the optimism Moon carried throughout his own journey at Seminole State. Rather than allowing uncertainty about his path to define his experience, he continued exploring, asking questions and looking for opportunities to grow. He credits not only Nasnas but the many professors and staff members who encouraged him along the way.

“I would say that every professor I had, touched me in some way,” Moon said. “They offered me the gift of learning, offered me the gift of something outside of what the class offered. And every one of them really changed my perspective of what I could do with my life.”

Carrying on a spirit of mentorship

Moon graduated from Seminole State and transferred to Rollins College, where he is pursuing a degree in mathematics with a minor in data analytics. He had initially viewed Rollins as a possibility far outside his reach, but conversations with Seminole State faculty and mentors helped him see the opportunity differently.

The transition has been a natural one. He has found similarities between Rollins and Seminole State, particularly in the smaller class sizes, access to professors and strong sense of community.

Looking back, he said he would not change his journey. “I don’t think I would change a single thing because it all led me to this point right now in my life,” he said. “It all led me to graduating Seminole State, going to Rollins and sitting here with you.”

For Moon, success is not simply about where his education takes him next. It is also about the people he has met and the students he has been able to encourage along the way. His experience at Seminole State transformed him from a student seeking an opportunity into a mentor helping others recognize opportunities of their own, and he plans to carry that spirit with him wherever his journey leads next.