From Hardship To Triumph: How Two Fall 2024 Graduates Found Inspiration At Virginia State University
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on December 11, 2024 Going to college was always part of Jamilla Henderson's plan. An honors student throughout high school, her education was extremely important to her. However, pursuing a college degree can be costly, and she couldn't afford it alone. Unsure of what to do, Henderson received an unexpected opportunity. She spoke with a U.S. Army recruiter, who explained that enlisting could help pay her tuition. This was her chance. Henderson enlisted and began basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Everything was going according to plan until she encountered an obstacle: injuries sustained during boot camp. Knee and back issues forced her to accept an honorable discharge. Determined to stay focused on her goal, Henderson began applying to schools. She quickly realized Virginia State University was her best option. "I applied to another HBCU in Virginia, but education was a lot more accessible and affordable at Virginia State," Henderson explained. "I also learned that I was considered an independent student, so I didn't have to use my parent’s income, which opened more financial doors." While attending VSU full-time, Henderson worked at Walgreens and as a substitute teacher in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Henderson managed to balance school and work until an unexpected life change occurred when she found out she was pregnant. During her sophomore year in February 2022, she gave birth to her son, Jha'Cari. Being a single mother, student, and employee was overwhelming, but Henderson found support within the VSU community. Her professors were understanding, welcoming her son to class when needed and informing her about available resources such as the WomenRise Scholarship, which helped cover childcare expenses. Henderson's success reflects the broader efforts of VSU to support student parents. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Education awarded the university $1.45 million to assist student parents with childcare funding. Additionally, VSU partnered with organizations like Generation Hope to create family-friendly spaces on campus and offer dedicated housing for student parents. These resources helped Henderson excel academically. "Being a parent and a student is hard, but the scholarship and childcare support allowed me to focus on my studies," said Henderson. "I became an Honors student and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success." When she walks across the stage to receive her diploma, Henderson will undoubtedly look for her main source of inspiration in the audience. "When I walk across that stage, I want my son to know he can accomplish anything," she said. "I overcame a lot as a single parent. Sometimes, it felt impossible, but the support of my family and VSU helped me persevere." After earning her bachelor's degree in business management, Henderson plans to pursue a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and hopes to become a hospital director. For Ja'Mari Alexander, the journey to graduation was equally challenging. After graduating high school in Baltimore, Alexander attended a community college for one semester before transferring to a university. However, he struggled to adjust and failed all his classes. When COVID-19 disrupted life in early 2020, Alexander nearly gave up on higher education. Growing up in Baltimore, where negative influences were abundant, he never lost his determination and applied to 15 HBCUs. Only one accepted him: Virginia State University. Despite having never left his hometown, Alexander decided to embrace the opportunity. Joining the Trojan Family helped him thrive. He joined the Activities Board, engaged in community service, and participated in multiple student organizations, making lifelong friends in the process. Then, tragedy struck. In one year, Alexander lost his father and his two best friends. Overwhelmed by grief, his motivation to continue school began to waver. "I didn't know what to do," he said. "But I was surrounded by people who wouldn't let me give up." Alexander found renewed purpose after joining Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, which provided the support he needed to stay on track. This fall, Alexander will become the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor's degree in political science with a 3.0 GPA. "Coming to Virginia State University was one of the best decisions I've ever made," said Alexander. "I'm set to become a first-generation college graduate, and I couldn't have done it without my family, friends, faith, and the drive to honor my lost loved ones." Alexander plans to use his degree to uplift troubled communities like the one he grew up in. Virginia State University's Fall 2024 Commencement will be held on Saturday, December 14, at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center. The processional begins at 8:30 am, featuring CIAA Commissioner Jacqueline McWilliams as the keynote speaker. The ceremony will also include a posthumous honorary degree presentation to the late Peggy Davis, former VSU Athletic Director. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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