Student STORIES

By Katelyn Aiken 

I am graduating with an associates in dental hygiene with honors. I am a first generation college grad.

My time here at Wallace has been nothing short of amazing but life outside of my education hasn’t always been easy. My parents divorced when I was young and I grew up in a single parent household which left no extra room for a college fund. Throughout my program here I owned my own house cleaning business to fully support my schooling as well as financial aid that I was blessed to receive.

Toward the end of my program I lost two of my grandparents who meant everything to me and when it got really rough at times I could hear my mamaw saying “you got this wiggle worm mamaws so proud of you” (which was my nickname she gave me). 

I say all this to let anyone who has been through a rough time while trying to get an education or life isn’t perfect right now but you want an education..you are stronger than you think you are and when you get to that finish line it will be oh so worth it. 

Brody’s journey is a story of overcoming obstacles and discovering untapped potential. 

From his early days in elementary school, Brody found himself drawn more to the court than the pages of a book, as reading didn't come as naturally to him as dribbling a basketball did.  

Throughout his time in school, Brody was an Individualized Education Program (IEP) student, a label he wore without shame. His IEP teachers played a pivotal role in his education, as it was their encouragement that convinced Brody to take the leap into the Fast Track program during his junior year. His teachers saw something in him that he had not seen in himself—potential. Enrolling in the Fast Track program allowed Brody to simultaneously tackle college-level coursework alongside his high school requirements.  

Brody's journey wasn't without its doubts and anxieties. But with each hurdle that approached, he pushed forward, fueled by the unwavering belief of his mentors and the unyielding support of his parents.  

Despite his initial skepticism, Brody not only excelled in the Fast Track program but went above and beyond, earning a place on the Dean's List during his first semester and eventually the President's List. 

Brody's story serves as a reminder that perseverance and belief in oneself can lead to remarkable achievements. His journey from struggling reader to college graduate is a testament to the power of determination. 

Brody is graduating with an associate degree in Horticulture. He plans to continue helping at the family farm and to work alongside his father at his lawn care business.

From a young age, Isabella has held a deep-seated connection to Wallace State Community College – a symbol of opportunity that she set her sights on even as a child in the backseat of her grandmother’s car. Despite the challenges she would face along the way, her childhood goal to attend Wallace State remained a steadfast dream. 

Throughout her adolescence, Isabella confronted mental health struggles and physical issues that threatened to derail her aspirations for higher education. Yet, with determination and the support of her loved ones, she embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery.  

With the encouragement of her parents, Isabella enrolled at Wallace State. Enrolling at Wallace State was a pivotal moment for Isabella. Guided by dedicated instructors like Mrs. Melissa Arnold and Mr. Brandon Smith, she discovered a passion for mathematics that ignited her desire to become a professor. 

During her time as a student, Isabella worked as a math peer tutor at the Tutorial Lab. It was here that she realized helping others understand complex topics was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.   

Isabella’s journey from uncertainty to clarity, from self-doubt to confidence, is a testament to the possibilities that await those who dare to dream. From once telling her grandmother as a child “I want to go there one day,” Isabella stands before us in the Coliseum today, having accomplished the goal she set her mind to.    

Isabella graduates with an associate degree in General Studies, with plans to transfer to Athens State University where she will receive her bachelor’s degree in mathematics to become a math professor. She envisions a day when she can return to Wallace State as a faculty member, inspiring and empowering future generations of students just like herself.

 

Tanisha’s story is one perseverance, that it’s never too late to start over and to not give up on a dream.  

Tanisha graduated from Decatur High School in 2002 and started college the next year. She took a few classes but dropped out to take care of a growing family. Before she knew it, 20 years had gone by in the blink of an eye. 

But that goal to go to college stayed with her and she found the Forensic Psychology program at Wallace State, where she could study a subject that has fascinated her since she was a child. She said she’s always wondered what and how people think. 

Tanisha started taking classes at Wallace State – mostly online – in August of 2021. Between then and today, she faced several heart-wrenching losses that almost caused her to give up. An uncle and her best friend both passed away within a month of each other. Both had encouraged her in her educational journey.  

Next, Tanisha’s mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Tanisha took her mother in and, with her siblings, helped to care of her. She considered dropping out then, but her mother encouraged her to continue. Unfortunately, Tanisha’s mother lost her battle with cancer in the spring of 2023.  

In her grief, Tanisha dropped two of the four classes she was taking that semester and tried to focus on the remaining classes but failed. Instead of giving up, she took the classes over that summer and passed them with all A’s. This past semester, she took classes at Wallace State and UAB to make sure she completed her degree without delay. 

Today she’s graduating with her associate degree in Forensic Psychology with plans to transfer to Athens State to earn her bachelor’s degree and work in a field that will allow her to be a mental health advocate.  

Tanisha’s three children are here today to watch their mother achieve her goal and we know her uncle, friend and mother are here in spirit.

Candance Freeman's path to graduation was marked by a decade-long struggle against self-doubt and adversity.   

Diagnosed with Dyslexia in eleventh grade, Candance faced challenges that tested her resolve. Even though the journey wasn’t easy, she graduated from high school with dreams of continuing her education. She put these desires on the backburner as a tumultuous marriage stifled her aspirations for over a decade, until she found the courage to break free.  

In 2019, Candance pursued her dream of attending college once more and enrolled at Wallace State. However, her path was not without obstacles. 

In 2020, her mother was diagnosed with a rare combination of four different lung diseases. The fear of losing her mother to illness cast a shadow over her pursuit, threatening to derail her dreams. Yet, with the unwavering support of her son and her family, Candance pressed on, refusing to succumb to despair.   

Her son's diagnosis of Dyslexia serves as a poignant reminder of her own life. Drawing inspiration from the story of Superman and his weakness to Kryptonite, Candance encourages her son to see Dyslexia not as a limitation, but as a unique trait that makes him the strong person he is — much like Clark Kent.  

Candance graduated with an associate degree in Liberal Arts. Her journey showcases the ability to overcome adversity and achieve one's dreams years later.   

Max Giovino began his journey at Wallace State Community College in 2022, marking a significant step forward in his pursuit of higher education. Hailing from Gardendale, Alabama, and with a daily commute of 45 minutes each way, Max embraced the challenge of balancing academics with the demands of life.  

His commitment wasn't just about attending classes; it was about optimizing his time to ensure every moment contributed to his academic goals. As he navigated through this difficult time constraint, Max encountered the harsh reality of food insecurity. Many days, he was left unsure of where his next meal would come from. He found solace in Lion’s Kitchen and Wally’s Grill, where nourishment provided not only for his body but also for the stability needed to fuel his mind. 

Max's time at Wallace State Community College has been marked by numerous achievements and active involvement in various clubs and organizations. Despite the obstacles he faced, Max excelled in his coursework, earning a place on the President’s List twice and obtaining membership in prestigious honor societies such as Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, NSLS and Sigma Kappa Delta – which he served as the historian of.  

His dedication to academics was further recognized through awards such as the TRIO/Student Support Services Participation Award in 2023, TRIO Student of the Year Award in 2024 and the Club and Organization Recognition Award, which he received at the annual Honors Night held last week. 

Throughout his academic journey at Wallace State, Max found unwavering support from the TRIO staff, who played an important role in providing resources and encouragement that furthered his pursuit of knowledge. 

Max is graduating with his associate degree in General Studies. Next semester, he will attend UAB where he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in political science before setting his sights on law school.

By Aaron Hollaway

I graduated from Arab High School in 2017 and I attended Wallace State the following fall. I was a part of the success coaching program on the 11th floor of the Bailey Center. There I met Jill Strickland. Jill and her guidance truly changed the trajectory of my life for the better.

I stayed with WSCC till spring of 2020 when I transferred to UAH. Due to the pandemic I was unable to continue my education journey at that time. With the skills I had learned at WSCC and on the job I was able to land a management position with Target in Huntsville.

Late 2023 I decided I wanted to pick back up with my education journey. I initially reached out to Jill to see where I stood and I turned out I only had 2 classes left to graduate from WSCC. By coincidence, Jill told me she would be retiring at the end of the spring semester. We finished our journey with WSCC at the same time! I am beyond thankful for my time with WSCC. 

By Hali Hollingsworth

Wallace State’s nursing program changed my life in all the best ways possible.  

Growing up I witnessed and experienced many familial hardships firsthand.  

I made a promise to myself that I would change the outcome and break generational misfortune not only for myself but for my own children and family by doing my best.  

Caring for others is my purpose in life and I was able to dive into my calling and thrive at WSCC. I was able to truly find myself and set my sights on horizons that I never imagined.  

Because of this program, I have found even more purpose and drive for the future! 

I am one of very few in my family to even graduate from high school and the first of my family to receive a college degree. 

To my family still with us today, thank you for all that you are and all that you do. You are my reason for everything that I do in life and I wouldn’t be here without you.  

And to the family we miss, I hope that you can see this progress and I hope that I have made you proud. Thank you to my entire cohort for the most amazing, lifelong friendships. Together we have been through so much. Thank you for trusting in me and allowing me to represent my class as Vice President. You don't know how much you all mean to me. Thank you WS nursing program, faculty, and staff for encouraging me to be my best self and preparing me for the future. I am forever grateful, and I am SO proud to represent you as I take on this journey in nursing.  

By James and Sandra Lenz

James served 16 years in the U.S. Army with three tours in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. he excelled in weapons and was the first American soldier to earn an Arabic olympic medal for shooting.

He met Sandra in 2012. They were both single parents with two children each. Sandra had started her college journey twice, but life and raising children pushed those dreams aside. James never even thought about college until he met Sandra. They were married in 2016 and became a family of six.

As the two oldest daughters were getting closer to high school  graduation age, they and Sandra all wanted to go to college for different degrees. Sandra and the girls were scared so James decided to go for the summer semester of welding. If he could do it, so could they. Sandra joined the next semester for Graphic Design. James decided to transfer to Automotive Mechanics where he received his Associates last year, He then transferred to Auto Collision Repair where he painted a glow in the dark truck that won the first Wheels at Wallace car show. As the Autobody program came to an end James extended his last semester so he could help the other students of the program finish. This worked out perfect, the scheduling made it possible for Sandra and James to graduate together today.

James is graduating with a degree in Collision repair. Sandra is graduating with her degree in Graphic Design where she has had her art work displayed across campus. She is planning on using her skills to open her own design business. She has a passion for being creative.

They have both said that going to college has been a great experience, The support from their children and for each other has been amazing. They also have made new friends, that if it hadn't been for Wallace State they would have never met. On a side note, Sandra is Graduating on her birthday. She says "it just makes it that much more special"  

By Jessica Lewis

Hello, my name is Jessica Lewis, and I am a 2024 graduate of Wallace State Community College. I will be receiving my associate in applied science degree in Child Development.

This has been a step in my journey to obtain my bachelor’s degree from Athen’s State that I have really enjoyed. Teaching was not something I would have thought I would see myself doing. I have two children of my own that I always helped with their schoolwork as well as my nieces and nephews, but that was the extent of my work with education.

This journey all started in the year of 2021.I was working at a local grocery store near where I live. I was unhappy with the job I had, and I wanted to do something I would enjoy and be satisfied with. I started searching for a new job and applying for everything that was not in retail. I went on a couple of interviews, but none of those panned out. I am so thankful that they did not work out. There was one that I was upset I did not get, and it was at a local insurance agency. My husband told me that it just was not part of the plan, and something better would come along. Boy was he right!

August of 2021 rolls around, and it is near the time of my son’s birthday. I had gotten the paperwork to fill out to be a substitute teacher, but just did not have the extra cash to pay for the license and background check. The Friday before my son’s birthday I took my kids to school, and I went to the local UPS store and used money I should have been spending on my son’s birthday party, and I paid for the stuff to become a substitute teacher. Two weeks went by of me calling asking when my sub license would become active. I would check multiple times each day to see. August 30th rolls around and my license becomes active. I put myself on the list at multiple schools, and I think well it will take a couple of days weeks before I get to sub for the first time. Little did I know, the next day was when this journey would start. I was getting ready to take my children to school, and Denise Jones the bookkeeper at the school I now work at called and ask me to sub that day.

I was nervous, but also extremely excited. While I was sitting in the first-grade classroom, Christy Kozmus who is also family to me and a paraprofessional at the same school, ask me if I would sub for her as a paraprofessional in the resource room. I told her sure. I was not sure what to expect and was nervous for that Monday to come around when I would sub for her. I subbed a couple more days, then that day came for me to sub for her in the resource room. Day changed my life for the better. I loved working with those kids, and they helped me in more ways than they could ever know. After that day, I subbed at a couple more schools, and I really enjoyed it.

The plan was for me to continue working my part time job, and I was just going to sub for the extra money. Not long after that I was subbing in a kindergarten classroom at another school when I received a phone call on a Tuesday afternoon that I will never forget. Mr. Shubert the principal at the school I currently work at, called, and ask if I would be interested in working full time as a special education paraprofessional. Without hesitation or even really asking him any questions, I accepted. This was one of the biggest turning points in my life. I began working in the role fulltime.

Even on the hard days, there was never a day I did not thoroughly enjoy or find something positive that came from that day. Working in special education helped me to see that helping students to celebrate even their smallest of victories was one of the biggest victories I could ever have. Working with our special education teachers helped me to see that I might really enjoy being a special education teacher. I wanted to be able to help students at a deeper level. I decided to enroll in Wallace State in the Child Development program the Summer of 2022.

My husband, my children, and the rest of my family encouraged me to go on this journey, and I am beyond grateful for their support. The late nights of studying to the countless hours of me having my children listen to different scenarios with preschool songs etc., this has been a journey that my whole family has went on with me. I can not forget the people at work who have helped me tremendously. From Mr. Shubert offering me the job, to Mrs. Pennington, who I could not have done this without her guidance and support, to Mrs. Gurley, and Mr. Wilson teaching me things I could use later in my education along with the many things I learned from Christy to use in my role as a paraprofessional. These people all helped shape my way to go on this journey, and I could never repay or thank them enough for all they did to help me. To all my coworkers who have helped me on this journey I did not mention above, I am grateful for your support also. This is not the end though; it is just the beginning. 

My next step is Athen’s state and a bachelor’s degree in collaborative special education. Thank you to all my teachers and my advisor who has helped me on this journey while at Wallace. I will forever be grateful for the support I was given. So glad I chose to start this journey at Wallace. Fellow graduates, lets all give an extra thanks to the instructors who helped pave our way to today.

Hallie Nabors’ journey is not just one of personal ambition but also of altruism that is rooted in her own harrowing experiences. 

On most days, from the earliest hours of the morning, Hallie is already hard at work, preparing for her day-long commitment to both her studies and her job in the fast-food industry. Her dedication stems from a deep-seated drive to foster a brighter future, not just for herself but for those who have endured similar trials throughout their lives. 

Hallie’s dream is to study law and become a voice for those who have been silenced by abuse and neglect.
But Hallie's motivation runs deeper than mere ambition. Her drive is rooted in a past marked by profound trauma, where a sense of hopelessness once threatened to consume her.  
Yet, she persevered with a deep desire to help others navigate through their own periods of darkness. 

Despite the weight of her past, Hallie refuses to be defined by it. Instead, she channels her energy into fostering a better tomorrow, a testament to her resilience and commitment to making a difference. 

While a student at Wallace State, Hallie was awarded the presidential scholarship. 

Hallie graduates with an associate degree in General Studies. She plans to attend the University of Alabama where she will finish her undergraduate coursework in preparation for law school.  

As Hallie embarks on her journey towards law school, she carries with her a sense of purpose in becoming an advocate for those who have been abused and neglected.  

By Madeline Michaels

I am writing to you to share MY story first off I am not your “typical” graduate!  I am a 29 year old mama who has been attending college on and off for the past 10 years that’s right I said it 10 years since 2014!

I have held many jobs through college and always knew that I wanted to finish school one day, I never thought I would I never truly believed in myself until I became and mama and then I learned so much about myself and so much about what I could overcome. My confidence in myself grew so much with the journey through motherhood!

A little backstory is my grandmother pushed me to go to college and always wanted to me to finish school she made that a very big request for me to finish college. She was diagnosed with ALS and she was the most amazing role model in my life. She never let anything stand in her way ever and pushed me everyday to be the best me I could be there has been times when I have forgot to do that and push myself ! Watching my grandmother battle with this horrible disease and still be so positive and determined really gave me a lot of my GRIT work ethic.

I always wanted to finish school in her honor and carry out that positive spirit she carried with her anywhere she went! I never thought this day would come, and it’s here Mimi we did it!

Do not stop believing in yourself ever !  

By Nicholas Newberry

They say no one but ourselves can free our minds, that happiness is not by chance but by choice. We all have one life, and we must live that life.

After graduating from Wallace State all that I can say is that it freed my mind and set me on a path to success. When I first went to Wallace State, I was very happy and a little scared. I did not know who I was going to meet there and what the expectations of graduating are. They make college sound terrible on the show A Different World.  Plus, I had to realize that the people from my high school are moving on as well which means I might not see them again.

There were so many new places and new faces at Wallace State, the buildings all have a welcoming feel to them as well. The advisors did an amazing job guiding me from buildings and certain classes. I never felt like I was lost on campus and always knew where to go when I needed help with information.

The courses I took were very helpful information for pursuing my career and I appreciated the fact that the teachers were able to help with any class situation. I also give thanks to TRIO and the tutoring room in the Bailey Center. They helped guide me with classwork and graduation help.

If I were to choose what my favorite place was, it would be the Student Center. It was a great place to study and think at, the food was amazing there and the cafeteria workers were very kind and caring, another thing was the pantry, they had many things that you could need without going to your nearest store.

I would also like to thank my English teacher Ms. Morris for her outstanding teaching in writing and literature, to be honest that is what's helping me write this essay right now. I would also like to thank Mr. Scott and Mr. Daniels for their excellent teaching in drawing and design, thanks to that it helps motivate me to stay in my career and keep drawing and designing.

It is sad to say goodbye to this amazing college, but it is pleasing to have experienced great things here as it has changed me for the better.

I used to have a job from high school till my second year of college and I did not have a good time there. Many things upset me there to the point of affecting my schoolwork. I have also lost a few family members throughout these college years, but thanks to Wallace State, I not only leave as a graduate student, but I leave knowing that everything will be OK and through sheer heart and passion I can achieve anything.

So, I'll leave the audience with this. Be the change that you want to see in the world, always believe in yourself and never give up even in the toughest times. 

Lastly, thank you Wallace State for setting me on the right path. It is my passion to want to achieve my goal in drawing and one day becoming an author in Japanese manga. And starting today I know that I will reach it now as your 2024 Wallace State Graduate. 

By Erica Oliver

I have always wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl. I looked up to my mother Betty Oliver, who has been a nurse now for 32 years. I started my journey soon after high school. My grandfather Paul was my biggest supporter. He always pushed me to be great and to dream big. I lost him sevent months into my first college year. I struggled with grief, and I lost my way.

I have had two beautiful children since then — Austin and Paris. I am a single mother. I made the decision last year to chase my dream for them. They deserve to see me go after my goals and never give up. I started at Wallace State, and It has been the best experience ever. I met my best friend and many great friends.

There were times where I was down. I was trying to juggle being a single mom and school! The instructors of second semester gave me a big hug one day when I was crying. Many advising meetings where I was pushed to never give up. I'll never forget . On May 10th, my babies get to see me walk the stage for the first time. I didn't think that I would make it . God made it all possible. I am forever grateful for Wallace state jump starting my dreams again.

By Shamber Paxton

Hi! My name is Shamber, I am 22 years old, and I got married a year ago. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going shopping, and riding four-wheelers. I am expecting my first child towards the end of September. I am excited to begin this new journey or parenthood. I have five nephews, who I spend a lot of time with.

I love getting to know people and have always had a passion for helping people. It took me a little bit to find out what I wanted to do with my life, but now that I have, I can't wait to receive my associate degree in Childhood Development. I am excited to see what the future holds. I can't wait to embark on this new journey. It has been a privilege to be a part of the WSCC family and I am grateful for this opportunity.  

By Caitlyn Sanders

I've gone through a lot in my life as well as overcome a lot. I am super hard on myself if I don't accomplish the things I know I should be able to accomplish. I am always setting another goal for myself to reach. When I was six years old, I lost my dad to a car accident. I never had the chance to tell him bye or that I loved him for the last time. Graduating high school was hard knowing he wouldn't be in the crowd cheering me on.  

Now that I'm graduating from my first semester of college, I've realized a lot. In December of 2022, I started volunteering with a local fire department. That's when I realized even more what career I wanted to go into. You see, I wasn't there to hold my dad's hand or to even tell him that I loved him. So, if I can be with someone in the middle of their crisis and help them, that's what I want to do. I want to be the person that someone can look at and know that I'm there to help. 

Here I am now, volunteering with two local fire departments, getting my Basic-EMT certification, and starting paramedic soon. My end goal is to be a flight paramedic.

I made something great come out of something tragic and terrible. I owe it all to God for letting me be able to go into such a rewarding career. Big shoutout to my mom for always being here for me. Thanks, dad, for always keeping a watch over me. You are capable of doing anything you put your mind to....so do not give up on chasing your dreams. 

By Emily Sharp

In February 2023, I was admitted to the hospital with a mini stroke. I had been given a medication that had a negative effect to a rare clotting disorder that I have. The effects of this caused the right side of my face to become temporarily paralyzed. I couldn't see properly out of my eye due to not being able to control it. I had to wear a patch over my eye and was worried about getting off schedule on top of trying to finish performing.

My instructors and everyone I came into contact was very accommodating on keeping me on track with my unique circumstances. I was able to finish those courses and continued on track to graduating. With the encouragement and strength I received from the students, faculty, and staff, I got to continue my life as normal and have become a better person because of it. 

By Chimeria Strong

Balancing being a wife, mother of two very busy teenagers, working full-time, and attending college full-time presented notable challenges for me. I had postponed pursuing my college education for many years, so transitioning to being a full-time student at the age of 42 was particularly difficult. 

I often found myself contemplating that the time I dedicated to studying for school was not worthwhile, and sometimes I felt guilty because I could have been using that time to be with my children. Balancing exams and motherly responsibilities in just a few short hours was especially challenging on certain days. 

As a 42 year old full time student, I would sometimes find myself plagued by negative thoughts, worrying that I was wasting time and feeling too old. 

Despite facing doubt, fear of failure, and negative thoughts, I persevered and never quit. There were moments when I would cry in frustration during my assignments, but after releasing my emotions, I would gather myself and continue working. Interestingly, some of my highest grades have resulted from the times when I felt like giving up. 

Completing my associate's degree is just the start of my educational journey. I am now pursuing a Bachelor's degree at a four-year college, and ultimately plan to pursue a Master's degree as well. 

I am proud of the strength and perseverance my past self-demonstrated. I am grateful that she never quit and kept pushing through. 

By Mackenzie Tankersley

In May 2015, I graduated from Arab High School. At that time, I opted not to pursue a college education. After surviving a physically abusive relationship I was ready to move forward and decided to enroll at Wallace State Community College for the Spring semester of 2017. Motivated by a desire to make my family proud and driven by an eagerness to start new for myself, I embarked on this educational journey with determination. 

Initially, I completed the spring semester with exemplary grades, which gave me the confidence I needed to continue. Unfortunately, the fall of 2017 brought unexpected challenges, and I found myself grappling with personal difficulties that led to academic setbacks, ultimately failing the semester. This setback was a profound moment of adversity, forcing me to confront the reality that I could not continue along the same path. 

In the aftermath of this setback, I underwent a period of self-reflection and growth. In the years following I met my husband, Zack, and became a mother to my son, Harrison. While I was content with my life and the family that we were creating, an inner conviction was pulling me to return to Wallace State and finish my degree.  

In the fall of 2022, I resumed my studies at Wallace State, this time as a full-time online student. Supported by a nurturing network of family and mentors, I committed myself wholeheartedly to academic excellence. Since re-enrollment, I have attained significant milestones, including recognition on the President's List and Dean's List, as well as induction into prestigious honor societies such as Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Now, I am graduating with an AS in General Studies.  

Reflecting on the journey from the depths of despair in 2017 to the triumphs of today, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement I have received from Wallace State. Balancing the demands of academics with the responsibilities of caring for a young family has been challenging, but the opportunity to pursue my associate degree entirely online has proven to be a blessing beyond measure. Since returning to Wallace State, counting graduation, I have only been on campus five times. This is a true testament to the time and dedication that faculty and staff give online classes so that students can be successful.  

Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my educational journey at the University of Alabama, where I intend to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Beyond that, my aspirations extend to obtaining a Master of Social Work, as I remain steadfast in my commitment to effect positive change in the lives of others through advocacy and service. 

I am profoundly thankful for the resilience and strength that have carried me through adversity, and I believe that with determination and faith, there is nothing that can stand in your way. 

By Amber Tubbs

I am a first-generation college student and will be a first-generation college graduate. I am a 33-year-old mother of two school-aged children, with one of my children having a rare and complex medical condition.

While at Wallace, I have remained a full-time employee at Royal Technologies, where I have worked for 13 years. I have overcome many obstacles in the past few years such as divorce and the death of my father and youngest sister. My children’s future has always been my biggest motivator, and I am proud to have created a pathway for them and myself.

I am a recipient of the Pelham Butler Memorial Scholarship, a member of NSLS and Phi Theta Kappa, and will graduate with a 3.9 GPA. I will continue my education at Athens State this fall, and I will forever be grateful for my experience here at Wallace State. 

By Lena Walker

Where do I even begin? I’ve wanted to go to college for some time now, but I was always afraid to. I was afraid I wasn’t smart enough and that I would fail. So, I put it off. A few years ago, I started thinking about it again. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to go to school. With much encouragement from my husband, I started taking basic classes. Long story somewhat short, I believed the LORD was telling me ultrasound. I believe with all my heart that God put that desire in my heart. Why? Because He knows my heart. He knows I want to be able to show a woman, especially a woman who may not have planned her pregnancy, who may even be considering having an abortion, that there is a living baby with a heartbeat inside her womb. So, I started searching for schools and found that the closest school that offered an accredited DMS (Diagnostic Medical Sonography) program was Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. I was little discouraged at first because that’s over an hour away from where I live. BUT GOD. Randy (my husband) and I talked about it, prayed about it...and I applied in Spring of 2021. I received my acceptance notification in the summer. I was so excited and so very nervous!  

I started that August and became overwhelmed. It was fast paced, and my brain was not as young as my classmates. God got me through it. In January of 2022, I was so excited to start a new semester — OBGYN!! The first day of second semester, I got to campus and ended up getting very sick. I spent the rest of the week in the hospital with COVID and what ended up being blood clots in both kidneys. After being discharged from the hospital, I had several doctors to follow up with, tests that needed to be done, etc. Unfortunately, that became a distraction for me. I wasn’t able to focus on my schoolwork, which meant my grades were suffering, and I ended up being dismissed from the program. I was devastated. I started questioning if I heard God correctly. I convinced myself I let Him down. I let my husband down. I let my family down. I let myself down. BUT GOD. Before I left campus that day, my instructors encouraged me to reapply. I was afraid to. What if I fail again? I prayed about it and came to the point where I asked God to open that door again if that was where He wanted me. So, I reapplied in March of 2022.  

In the summer, I received my acceptance notification, again. Fast forward to Thursday, December 14, 2023. I graduated from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at the age of 47. God allowed me to give my husband what he wanted for Christmas. He wanted me to graduate. Not only did I graduate, but I started a new job with an OBGYN office on the following Monday (answered prayer). I tell you all of this to show you how good GOD is and how faithful HE is when we’re obedient. Trusting people is hard for me. Sometimes trusting God is hard for me, not because I think He can’t, but because I don’t see myself as worthy of His blessings. GOD has been so so good to me and I had to share that with you. If He is telling you to do something, just do it. He’s got you!!