In August 2022, I began my journey of achieving my doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Special Education is my passion, and I wanted to conduct research so I can make a difference and be a part of the change.

In June 2023, my world was shaken more than it ever had been before, and those that know what I have been through know that. I have dealt with numerous health issues: a pulmonary embolism brought on from my weight loss surgery, a breast lumpectomy, being diagnosed with Estrogen Positive Breast Cancer, an Oncotype score of 29 which means a high cancer recurrence rate, having 14 teeth pulled, going through 4 rounds of chemotherapy, 20 rounds of radiation, taking in family, losing almost 100 pounds, moving, writing a 76-page dissertation, defending the dissertation, and earning the title of Dr. Jennifer Ann White.

Graduation is one week away, and as of right now, I will not be allowed to participate due to having an outstanding financial bill to the University. I am totally okay with not walking. I will still wear my regalia, cheer on my cohort members, and celebrate this summer.

However, I have been encouraged to start this in the hopes of receiving generous donations that will pay off my owed tuition. My support system members have reminded me that I have not worked this hard, gone through what I have gone through, and shared my story to not be able to walk at graduation on May 9, 2025.

I have always said that I have the best support system. The amount of love, prayers, well wishes, and support that I have received, well, I can never repay it.

#mammajstrong

#mycuprunnethover

#iam1in8

#mysupportsystemisthebest

#youshouldbehere