A determined woman, LaKendra Mackey, has overcome immense challenges to graduate from the University of Arkansas, making history as the first in her family to earn a degree.

LaKendra served in the United States Navy for ten years, during which she earned an associate degree from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College in the United States.

However, after her military service, she faced homelessness and struggled with  PTSD(Post Traumatic Disorder), all while raising her six 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, including one with special needs.

Despite these hardships, her 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren became her driving force, inspiring her to return to school and pursue a career in social work to help others facing similar struggles.

Determined to create a better future, LaKendra enrolled at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock in the United States where she discovered the university’s TRIO programs, which provide essential support for first-generation students.

She credited the program for playing a crucial role in helping her stay on track academically.

“TRIO has helped me in so many ways to stay afloat in my courses. The advisors give me a sense of relief that it’s not just me going through challenges. They celebrate even my small successes, making them feel like major achievements,” she shared.

After graduation, LaKendra is eager to give back by supporting veterans and individuals with disabilities. She said her journey has been one of resilience and determination, proving that obstacles should never stand in the way of success.

“I feel like I have to prove that I belong here because of my age, my race, my gender—everything. But I want to show my 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren that no obstacle should stop them from earning a degree,” she said.

”I feel that having a degree will assist me and my 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren in having a better quality of life,” she added. Moving forward, LaKendra want to earn a masters degree in Social Works at the same university.