Boots, books and bedtime stories: One mother’s mission to graduate from Southern University

Between military orders, study sessions, and raising her 6-year-old son, Jakeya Prince-Lumpkins never took the easy road, but she always kept moving forward.

As a first-generation college graduate, a dedicated service member of the Louisiana Army National Guard, and a single mom from Jeanerette, Louisiana, Prince-Lumpkins' journey to earning her degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern University is one marked by resilience, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to her future and her son’s.

“I was going through so many life changes at once, and losing a support system caused me to pursue an interdisciplinary degree,” she explained. “The stigma around it is that ‘it’s a do-nothing degree,’ but I disagree. It’s what you make it.”

Prince-Lumpkins says finishing her degree at this stage in her life was key and allowed her to keep her options open. She was faced with many challenges along the way, including time management, caring for her child and even having to miss military training courses, as she serves as a combat engineer and is currently ranked as a specialist.

The desire became overwhelming at times for Prince-Lumpkins to complete her degree, but how she viewed her circumstances kept her going.

“What kept me reading all the chapters fully is the way I looked at it: no story should ever be half told or read,” she said. “How would I encourage my child or family to think that getting a degree is worth it if I fail to complete the task?”

Her turning point came after joining Southern’s Army ROTC program.

“I found a support system and a family that I was missing,” she said. “The family and bonds I started with this program gave me a place of peace and no judgment, and I felt understood when I spoke.”

While her ROTC family became a cornerstone of her journey, she’s quick to credit those closest to her.

“To my mother, it means a lot to be a first-generation college graduate,” she said. “My older brother and father were the ones I relied on the most for advice, help, an ear to listen, and babysitting. My brother also attended Southern University with me, and he would not let me quit or miss a class or meeting due to lack of a babysitter.”

Now with a degree in hand, Prince-Lumpkins is focused on advancing her military career and raising her son. She says she hopes her story inspires others—especially those who are faced with many challenges—to finish school.

To her beloved Southern University, she says she will forever be indebted to her alma mater.

“Southern has shaped me to put not only my best foot forward but also myself. Southern has shaped me to understand that giving myself breaks instead of grief is still a sign of growth. If I can’t see the vision, I can’t share my art with the world.”