Megan Jones should not be walking the stage this Friday. Life has thrown several curveballs her way in the past year – enough to keep her from earning enough credits to graduate.
“I’ve had every excuse to quit school, to give up,” Jones said. “My mom died. I’m a single mom and I work full time.”
Here’s the catch: she did it. Megan Jones is one of more than 150 students set to walk the stage at the UT Permian Basin Summer Commencement Ceremony.
“I was able to channel motivation and use that to keep me on track,” Jones said.
Jones’ motivation came when she was registering her two children for school. They were both born with special needs and she was met with several road blocks when it came time for them to go to school.
“I had to fight the school to get the services they needed,” she said.
Jones saw a need in special education and set out to do something about it. She enrolled in classes at Odessa College and eventually transferred to UT Permian Basin where she has been on the fast track to earning a degree in education.
Jones says her professors have led her every step of the way.
“I owe it all to them. They helped me get here,” she said.
One of those professors is Dr. Tara Wilson. After Jones’ mother died, the pair formed a special bond.
“I didn’t have anyone to go to who would just sit and listen,” Jones said. “Mrs. Wilson did that for me.”
UT Permian Basin President Dr. Sandra Woodley says she’s inspired by Jones’ story.
“It points out what’s possible even under difficult circumstances,” Dr. Woodley said. “One thing that impresses me so much about Megan is her determination. She overcame so many obstacles to achieve success.”
Through all of her hardships, Megan’s future is looking bright. She recently accepted a teaching position at Permian High School.
“I hope I can be the change for special education,” she said. “Never ever give up. That’s my family’s motto.”
Related News
New Semester Begins Monday
It is the dawn of a new semester at The University of Texas Permian Basin. Before you head to your first class on Monday, January 14th, we want to make sure you’re ready for a great spring 2019.
Alumnus and Concho Resources CEO: Success Starts with Higher Ed
To “make it” in the Permian Basin, some might argue that it takes grit mixed with vision. If you need an example of what that looks like, get to know Concho Resources CEO and UT Permian Basin alumnus Tim Leach.
College of Engineering to Host Robotics Competition this Weekend
The College of Engineering is hosting the 2019 FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Robotics Championship on Saturday, January 26th.