Mission accomplished for three single mom graduates
Three single mothers have overcome the odds, earning their bachelor’s degrees, together.
Tianca White, Michele’Le Bailey and Christen-Aubrey Turner, all of Salisbury, earned their bachelor’s degrees from Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) on May 18. Each attended WSSU full time while pursuing their degrees.
“It was hectic because we didn't have child care at the time, and we were on a mission to arrive early to get back to Salisbury and relieve our babysitters,” says Turner, a mother of 2-year-old Trenton Gaymon. She first enrolled at WSSU in 2008 and was readmitted in August 2016. “We are thankful for our parents and grandparents, they were a big help with assisting us with our children throughout the entire journey. We are just so excited about our futures. Having children didn't stop us from accomplishing our goals, it motivated us to become even greater. Thanks to WSSU, we were able to successfully achieve such a milestone.”
White, who earned her bachelor’s degree in social work, and Turner are cousins. All three have known each other since high school.
Bailey, who earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies is the mother of 6-year-old A'Livia Gaymon. She's also expecting her second child in August.
"The amount of support that I received from my Ram Fam was outstanding," Bailey says. "WSSU helped motivate both myself and my child. I must say it is a school that is very child-friendly. My daughter is now 6 years old but is no stranger to the campus of WSSU. I remember having to get her and myself ready, drive form Salisbury just to make it to school on time after baby sitting plans failed. Not once did my professors complain about her being there. To see the thrill on my daughter's face every time she stepped foot on campus was such a joyful experience. At an early age, I was already planting seeds, and instilling in her the value of being an educated Black woman."
White, the mother of 2-year-old Chyna, also pleased with her experience at WSSU.
“WSSU has allowed me to believe in my goals and achieve each one of them regardless of any obstacles I've faced,” says White. “I've obtained time management, professionalism and integrity. Matriculating through the social work program has also taught me the importance of human relationships. I can proudly say that I am now a skilled generalist practitioner, and I am well equipped to perform in my future endeavors thanks to WSSU and the social work program.”
Turner adds: “Going back to finish what I started wasn't easy, but WSSU made it possible for me to quickly adapt and feel a part of the student body. Being a readmitted student, I found my purpose and how I could positively impact other students with similar backgrounds through the Nontraditional Adult Student Organization (NASO). I took advantage of the resources on campus, completed a summer internship, and was determined to excel. After completing my first semester and making the Dean’s list, I was so thrilled and even more motivated to finish my undergraduate studies.”
Next, Turner aspires to become a nurse through WSSU’s accelerated BSN program.
“Thanks to WSSU, my mother and family, I was able to overcome the challenges as a full-time student – commuting from Salisbury each day,” Turner says. “I can proudly say I made it! I can now provide an even better life for my son Trenton and myself.”
A study from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that single mothers who earn a degree gross nearly $300,000 more over their lifetime than those who just earned a high school diploma.
Note: This is one of a series of articles highlighting WSSU's Class of 2018.
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.
