The journey as an undergrad at Prairie View A&M University has been anything but easy.

I left Atlanta as a freshly minted high school graduate in 2009, ready for “the college life.” Watching Sachel at UGA and seeing what she was experiencing, I had so many hopes and dreams about what memories I was going to make. I had made the college cheerleading team and was looking forward to the adventures that were ahead.

By the end of my freshman year, I found out I was pregnant and I didn’t know how to deal with that. I was only 19 and the fact I was pregnant with twins scared me. Anticipating disappointment, anger and lots of yelling, I called my mom. When I told her all I heard was….silence. And then…anger. Oh yes, she was angry and I understood why. I was so young, but after the initial reaction, we prayed together and she gave me guidance. I remember being so scared about giving birth and being a new mom.

Seven months later, God blessed me with two beautiful daughters and even though I was so lost, my mom was there with me the whole time to guide me. She held my hand while giving birth and never left my side. Through her love for me, I learned the true definition of a mother’s love.

There were times I wasn’t sure if I was going to graduate, but refusing to become a statistic drove me and fueled my determination. I took some time off and went back the following semester, ending it with a 3.8 GPA. After that, I knew the only thing that could stop me was me. Being a new mom was not going to stop me from getting my degree, it was going to push me towards it.

Through the years, I have continued to cheer for the university. I’ve stayed on the Dean’s list, was 1st runner up in a campus pageant, joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and raised my angels. Even though I accomplished many things in college and it was filled with twist and turns, I did not do it alone. For me, the saying “It takes a Village,” could not be any more true.

Yes, I had to grow up quickly and worry about things most people my age didn’t. Yes, I was physically distant from my family and it emotionally drained me. Yes there were nights where I cried and was frustrated because things I wanted to do didn’t always match what I HAD to do. Yes it was INCREDIBLY hard. But with God, my family and faith, I’m proud to be earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with an emphasis in Animal Science.

Looking back, I endured alot. Looking ahead,  I find joy in what I have achieved. I have grown so strong and independent as a result of this journey and I want you to know you can to. No matter what life throws your way, Philippians 4:13 is one of the greatest reminders that you can prevail. You really can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Everything I do is for my girls and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There really is no love like a mother’s love and I can only pray that I continue to make them proud. 

My college experience was nowhere NEAR perfect, but that bright-eyed freshman from 2009 is leaving Prarie View A&M University in 2014 as a wiser woman, a loving mother and a determined college graduate. And that…that is worth celebrating. 

-Tiesha J.