When I left Big Oak Ranch, I was in ninth grade with big dreams of finishing up high school and, later, attending college. However, during my senior year, I was blessed, but quite surprised, to find out that I was pregnant. It felt like my future took a sudden detour, but I was determined to keep moving forward.
I proudly walked across the field and graduated high school, five months pregnant. My daughter, Addison, arrived in August 2008, which meant I had to postpone starting college until the spring semester of 2009. I enrolled at Southern Union State Community College on a Pell Grant, but like many students, I didn’t take my time there as seriously as I should have. I went through the motions, signing up for classes and adopting a “C’s get degrees” mindset.
My youngest daughter, Chloey, was born in 2011, and I faced a difficult decision regarding my education. As a single mother without support, I needed to work and care for my children, which meant I had to put my schooling on hold and give up my dream of earning a degree. I was devastated. However, I persevered as I always do, keeping my dream alive in my heart and knowing that one day I would return to it.
In 2019, I met my very best friend and soulmate. Jaiton and I married in 2021 and started our lives as a family of six. A lot of people under one roof with a whole lot of love and support. Jaiton encouraged me to start back school, so I eagerly started the process. I was accepted to Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) and started my journey toward my degree. This pursuit wasn’t just about me — it was more important to show my children that no matter where you are in life, you can set a goal and achieve it. It’s never too late to finish what you started, and life is what you choose to make it.
My husband, Jaiton, is a federal firefighter at Fort Benning, Ga., and his schedule is quite demanding being away 48 hours at a time. With four children actively involved in school and extracurricular activities, I was concerned that my timing for everything would be off. I worried about balancing it all, but Jaiton reassured me that while it would be challenging, it would be worth it in the end. When I shared my plans with my bosses, they also offered their support. With such a strong circle of encouragement around me, I just needed to make it happen.
There were many late nights, and I often found that my 33-year-old brain didn’t remember things as easily as my 17-year-old brain once did. I had to let my family go to bed without me while I stayed up writing papers and submitting assignments. We canceled plans to prioritize schoolwork, squeezed in writing on the way to vacations, and connected to hotel Wi-Fi for last-minute tests. Life added an extra layer of stress, but I knew it was the good kind — “eustress.”
I counted down the classes and semesters, and by my final year, I had no more room for online classes. I had to go to campus and sit alongside my new friends —younger versions of myself. Those moments sparked some great stories to share in class. I even made the Dean’s List twice that last year and scored all A’s —something I never accomplished in high school.
The time came for my last semester of school, and I was invited to do an internship with the Alabama Community College System — a totally new world from my 11 years in insurance. On my first day, I was writing a magazine article for Business Alabama that would be published. I realized right away — these folks don’t have time for busy work — we’re doing real work here. So, I juggled my internship three days a week, classes two days a week and my job whenever I could, often from my phone. All of this was happening during our busiest time of year. Addison was playing JV softball, Zadie was in SMS softball, Chloey was in 12U softball, and Whitt was in 8U baseball. That meant every night was spent at a ball field. From January until May, I felt like I was squeezed into a compression chamber, but as May 10 approached, my countdown became more laser-focused — just days left …
The week before graduation, I had a stole made for my ceremony that proudly declared, “First Generation.” When Addison asked me what it meant, I explained, “I’m a first-generation student so that you don’t have to be.” She smiled, but I don’t think she fully grasped the weight of what I was saying. This stole was more than just a piece of fabric for me; it represented something profound. It was pivotal and monumental — a symbol of my journey that I hope paves the way for success not just for me, but for them as well. I want my children to see that they can reach for their dreams, no matter where they start.
On May 10, 2025, I graduated AUM with my bachelor’s in communication with a focus on public relations. I did more than graduate that day.
So, there’s this beautiful story called “Footprints in the Sand.” It’s about a person walking along a beach with the Lord, reflecting on their life. As they stroll, they notice two sets of footprints in the sand during the good times, but during the tough moments, there’s only one set. Naturally, they get a bit confused and hurt, wondering why they were left alone when things got rough. So, they ask the Lord, “Why didn’t You walk with me then?” And the Lord replies, “During those times, I carried you.”
I looked up and said “Thank you, God, for my blessing. Thank you for carrying me so many times. Thank you for allowing me to defeat my Goliath.”
My husband, my family, friends and work all helped push me through to finish school.
Big Oak Ranch planted the seeds before I knew any of these other people in my life. I want to thank Big Oak Ranch for being such a huge part of my story.
You know that cliché saying, “If I can do it, anyone can do it”? It really rings true in my life. I’ve faced many challenges, and I’m here to tell you that no matter where you start or what obstacles you face, you can achieve your dreams. It’s all about determination and believing in yourself. Do not let your past control your future. You CAN do it!
Christian Stephens
