Ahissa Branson ’16, a recent graduate of Oglethorpe’s Adult Degree Program, had extra reasons to celebrate earning her degree.

Ahissa addresses the Class of 2016.

Selected to speak on behalf of non-traditional students at the 2016 commencement ceremony, Ahissa shared her triumphant story of returning to college and finally earning her bachelor’s degree in History, 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 her speech. “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.”

Ahissa with Rose Scott and Jim Burress in the WABE studio.

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 WABE, Atlanta’s NPR radio station. Just days after commencement, she appeared live on “Closer Look 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 University of Virginia School of Law.