JTC 24: Navigating School and Parenthood as a First-Gen

Madison Hawkins graduated from Northwest Mississippi Community College with her associate degree in December 2021. From there, she decided to go back and pursue a general business degree through the University of Mississippi at DeSoto Center-Southaven.

"I chose to pursue my degree in general business because both my husband and my father run their own small businesses," Hawkins said. "By choosing to study general business, I felt as though I could learn valuable information about how running a business actually works."

For this Senatobia native, her journey to get her degree didn't come without struggle, however. Starting her studies at Ole Miss coincided with her recent marriage and full-time employment at a medical clinic.

"At the end of the fall semester of 2022, my husband and I found out we were expecting a baby boy, so this really added fuel to my fire to finish school," Hawkins said. "I continued to work full time throughout the spring and summer semester while taking a full load of classes and dealing with pregnancy."

Following the birth of her son, Hawkins transitioned to managing her household and caring for her child while completing her coursework online.

"Managing a household, being a mother, a wife and a full-time student is hard to say the least, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel," she said.

Besides her impressive ability to balance responsibilities, Hawkins is a first-generation college student, a fact that adds significant meaning to her achievement.

"I will be the first in my family to hold a bachelor's degree," she said. "This achievement means so much to me and my family."

Candace Roberts, Hawkins' academic adviser at the DeSoto Center, called her "a joy to work with."

'She asks good questions and shows a great amount of determination and perseverance," Roberts said. "I've seen her go through marriage, loss of a great grandmother and the birth of her son, but she still stayed in school and did a tremendous job."

Throughout her higher education journey, Hawkins has earned several prestigious accolades and memberships, including recognition as a Provost Scholar for maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and being inducted into the Gamma Beta Phi Society.

"I would recommend the 2+2 program to anyone," Hawkins said. "All of the staff and faculty at Ole Miss DeSoto are so welcoming, encouraging and supportive. If it weren't for my wonderful adviser and teachers, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Madison's story serves as an inspiration to all students, especially those balancing the demands of work, school and family life while navigating the challenges of being a first-generation college student.

She is eager for current Ole Miss students to experience the success she has.

"Give yourself grace," Hawkins said. "Create relationships with your teachers and fellow students. Don't be afraid to ask questions."

See more photos from Madison Hawkins' Journey to Commencement