Jessica Anderson
Jessica Anderson was a finance student at Georgia Southern University in 2006 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She had grown up seeing the world in money and numbers. Earning a bachelor’s degree was her lifelong dream. But she was forced to withdraw from school and return to Atlanta for treatment. Even while undergoing chemotherapy three days a week, Anderson strategized how to finish what she had started.
She researched her options and learned that Georgia State’s Robinson College of Business had an excellent reputation. She enrolled in 2010. Anderson’s mother, who worked nights, drove her to campus and helped her get to class.
“I had some bad days. We walked shoulder to shoulder, and when people saw us, I’m sure it looked really bad,” Anderson said. “It didn’t matter, though, because I was bound and determined to do it.”
In 2012, Anderson had to take another pause to manage her health.
“Sometimes people have to put their education on hold,” Anderson said. “But I knew I would come back. It’s something I had to accomplish.”
While determining her next step, Anderson volunteered two days a week at the Cobb County Adult Education Center, teaching math to adults preparing for the GED test. Many of her students were women in their 50s and 60s with jobs and families. They wanted to show their children and grandchildren that achieving a goal is possible no matter what obstacles stand in the way. Their drive inspired Anderson.
Anderson also gained confidence from her sister, who had enrolled in online classes while caring for two children.
Because of her medical issues, Anderson realized attending class virtually was her only option. She became an online student at Georgia State’s Perimeter College (PC) during the pandemic. Upon earning her associate degree, Anderson learned about Robinson’s Online B.B.A. program.
“I remember the day I got an email about the program,” she said. “I said to myself, ‘This is what I’m doing. I’m getting in.’”
The program’s virtual format has allowed Anderson to manage her evolving treatment schedule. Plus, all the energy she expended commuting goes into her coursework instead.
Through the program, Anderson has significantly expanded her business acumen. For example, in her Foundations in International Finance course, Anderson and a group of classmates collaborated virtually with business students in Egypt to analyze the economic, social, and political risks of international banking. Anderson not only navigated a language barrier and time zone differences, but also learned how students in another culture approach business problems.
Anderson graduates with a B.B.A. in finance this month. Achieving her longstanding goal is just the first step in the next phase of her life. Motivated by her own progression through the education system and her positive experience supporting GED students, she wants to carve a career that champions nontraditional scholars.
“Robinson made completing my degree possible. It worked out perfectly,” Anderson said. “Now, I want to help others achieve their dreams.”