Ahissa Branson ’16, a recent graduate of聽Oglethorpe’s Adult Degree Program, had extra reasons to celebrate earning her degree.
Selected to speak on behalf of non-traditional students at the , Ahissa shared her triumphant story of returning to college and finally earning her bachelor’s degree in , despite the challenges of home-schooling her three children at the same time.
“Remember this overwhelming feeling of pride surging through you today, when the tough times of true adulthood inevitably come along,” Ahissa advised her classmates in . “When you’re ready to give up on your hopes and dreams, remember this feeling and realize that quitting is not an option… Hold your head up high and let that pep in your step carry you on to the next milestone.”
Then, during the commencement ceremony, a surprised Ahissa was presented with the Sally Hull Weltner Award for Scholarship, which recognizes the undergraduate student with the highest GPA in the graduating class.
Ahissa’s story caught the attention of producers at , Atlanta’s NPR radio station. Just days after commencement, she appeared live on “ with Rose Scott and Jim Burress” to discuss her journey and motivation to earn her degree, and what lies ahead in her life. She hopes to go on to earn her master’s in human rights from .
