SWU graduate grateful despite adversity
Although Carol Jones’s life has been one of perseverance through pain, still she feels blessed.
Jones recently earned her master of science in management degree from Southern Wesleyan University’s North Augusta education center.
“I was one of the lucky ones who has never had to suffer the pains of an empty stomach, or had to struggle to make a living,” Jones said of her upbringing in a poor, rural community. Jones went on to graduate high school and a junior college, building a confidence that wasn’t shaken when she was laid off from a local manufacturer. She feels fortunate to have had good jobs over the years. For the past seven years, she has been a manager for Target Corp.
As job demands changed over time, Jones decided to continue her education and discovered Southern Wesleyan University.
A cancer diagnosis and the loss of her home was a double blow for Jones, but she’s grateful to faculty, staff and classmates at Southern Wesleyan’s North Augusta education center for coming alongside her like “family.”
Jones’ classmates helped her with bills and also drove her to doctor’s appointments when she was too ill to drive. When she felt like dropping out of school, Southern Wesleyan staff members provided the support and encouragement that helped her to endure.
Jones also feels that her daughter, Ebony, and brother, Roy, have been a blessing in her life, as well as Bishop Hezekiah Pressley Jr. of New Beginning Ministries in Beech Island, whom she calls her “spiritual father. “
“It is a blessing to be with family and friends who care about you and love you,” Jones said.
For Jeff Slagle, student services coordinator at Southern Wesleyan’s North Augusta education center, Jones is an inspiration.
“Even after finding out she had breast cancer, she was determined to finish her degree. Despite chemotherapy and being terribly ill, she would still come to class,” Slagle said. “She clearly found strength in the Lord, and everyone recognized that.”
Jones is grateful for professors who were very supportive, helping her as she worked to finish assignments. Aaron Ard, one of Jones’ professors, was impressed by her determination to finish class, in spite of being sick from the effects of chemotherapy.
“It was remarkable to watch her because she would not quit,” Ard said, adding that she was faithful to complete her assignments despite her circumstances.
Just after she had breast cancer surgery, Jones was forced to leave her home of five years because the owner of the house wanted it back, despite the payments she had made to him. After her surgery, Jones was discharged from the hospital, but had nowhere to go. But within a few days, Jones was able to get into a townhouse.
“I admire Carol for her persistence in getting her education. She experienced a number of significant obstacles while at Southern Wesleyan, but through everyone’s support – and especially that of her classmates and faculty – Carol surprised us all by continuing her coursework and finishing her degree with her class,” said Becky Lam, admissions coordinator at Southern Wesleyan’s North Augusta education center.
“Everything is slowly getting better for me. I’m keeping the Faith, and placing my trust in God,” Jones said.