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I met Ms. Janice Hicks through a federal TRiO program that assisted students with the admissions and financial aid process to begin their post-secondary education.

Janice began her college journey in the Fall of 2018 enrolling at Walters State Community College at 60 years of age, after first being assisted by the Program Director at the time, Terri Large Hall, Cocke County. I worked with Janice after Terri left the program for another position.

Janice wanted to enroll straight out of high school, but as for many life happens.

The turning point in Janice’s life that gave her the motivation to pursue college was the physical demands of her job making it harder to perform. Janice shared with me she prayed about the situation and the Lord said, “If you want change, you’ll have to make it happen.”

She knew if she did her part, He would take care of the rest, and as you can see He did just that on May 6, 2023, Janice walked across the stage accepting her A.S. in Business Administration at 65 years of age.

Throughout her journey she has had the support of family and friends but was often asked, “Why are you returning to school at your age?” Her answer was this, “Whatever door the Lord opens for me I will go because ultimately it’s in his hands.”

She does feel that there is also a sense of fulfillment in learning and bettering yourself.

Janice shared her biggest support system was her husband, Terry. Janice is a minister’s wife where the two minister at Bluffton Church in Hartford, TN.

Of course, she had her share of doubts and the nerves kicked in high gear at the beginning of each class. She was a traditional classroom student till COVID-19 hit and forced her to become an online student. Even online her determination maintained her grades of A’s and B’s.

Janice would like to mention two professors at WSCC who were a tremendous help to her and were dedicated in seeing her succeed. One is Kelsey Solomon, Associate Professor of English and the other is Joseph Fall, Department Head, Business-Hospitality, and Associate of Hospitality Management.

Janice continued to work part-time while in school and you can imagine being a minister’s wife that her plate stayed quite full. She oversees the elder ministry which provides food to those in need and transportation to where they need to go. Janice also sings and plays the guitar. She and husband Terry head up the musical group, “The Redeemers.”

Janice encourages both young and old to always go for your dreams, but especially challenges the youth to stay in school and not wait till her age to pursue them.

Janice is thankful to the Lord for giving her the knowledge to excel. Her hopes are to one day work for a non-profit giving back to the community for what has been done for her. She is also considering pursuing her bachelor’s degree.

Speaking for myself and Terri Large Hall, we would like to thank Janice for allowing us to assist her and share her story as well as being a part of her college journey. We are so proud of her and all t