Three Generations of Women Attend Pasco-Hernando State College Together
College is usually a time for students to leave home, spread their wings and become independent. For three generations of a local family, it is a time for them to grow together.
Shelia Lafrances Jackson is the mother of Latroya Davis and the grandmother of Auri’Yaba Nobles. All three of them enrolled at Pasco-Hernando State College and are pursuing their degrees at the same time.
“It is amazing,” said Davis. “We’re having so much fun together. We keep each other motivated.”
Conquering Challenges
Davis moved to Greater Tampa Bay when COVID-19 hit and needed something to do. So, she joined Jackson and Nobles at PHSC. Originally, she was studying nursing to become an RN, but then moved to health care management.
Jackson is studying digital media and was the first who decided to go back to school. She enrolled at another local college. Nobles was in high school at the time and said her mom and grandmother encouraged her to attend college.
“I wanted to take a break after I graduated from high school, but I quickly got bored,” she said. “I enrolled in college soon after so I would not lose interest in furthering my education.”
Nobles enrolled at the same school as her grandmother. A little while later, Jackson had to transfer to another school because her program ended. Nobles, who is studying physical therapy, came with her.
They eventually enrolled at PHSC, where Davis joined them. They since have weathered all the struggles that come with attending college as well as the campus closing for the pandemic and then reopening.
Class Time Means Family Time
They said they never expected to be in college at the same time, but the experience has ultimately made them stronger individually, brought them closer to each other and shown them they can get through anything together.
“The best part is the quality time we spend together,” Nobles said.
That quality time has included many study sessions where they all help each other.
“We did not expect the good times especially when it was time to study for exams” said Davis. “We would come together and study. It is a great time to spend together and see how we’re growing individually.”
Motivation for an Education
Jackson said when the pandemic started and everything went online, she was afraid Nobles would stop her education. The opposite happened.
“Seeing her get motivated and take on her education hands-on was motivating,” she said. “She was the one to get us up and make us do our assignments.”
Nobles said her motivation has been watching her mom control her education.
Jackson, Davis and Nobles are all on track to graduate in 2024.
“The whole campus is just so welcoming,” said Jackson. “Just to be in an environment to watch my daughter and grand-daughter grow, I would never know how strong they are. I had no idea God would bless me with this.”
By Celia Goodyear.
