I've been carrying your words with me since I was born. You constantly encouraged me to get an education and make something of myself. You advised me to stay away from trouble and focus on my studies, and that guidance stayed with me even after you could no longer speak to me. You saw potential in me that I couldn't see myself, but now I understand. It isn't easy to let go because you embedded so much vitality and purpose in me, and I vowed to carry out your desires.
Grandma, this journey has been challenging, but my faith in God has carried me through it all. When you passed away, I lost my way for a while. When I graduated high school, I realized the opportunities I missed out on by not working hard in school. My pursuit of a bachelor's degree has been ongoing since 2012. Initially, I spent a year at Clayton State University studying Business Administration and Marketing before dropping out to join the Marine Corps. After giving birth to my first child in 2016, I resumed my studies online at the Florida Institute of Technology. I struggled to stay engaged in my studies until 2019 when a fellow Marine inspired me to stay in school and change my major to criminal justice. Despite facing numerous challenges while stationed in Japan, transitioning out of the military, dealing with financial hardships, and relocating from Miami to Tallahassee as a single parent of three children, I persevered and never gave up on my education.
I know you've been by my side the whole time, but I wish you were here with me in person. I wish you could be here to witness and love your great-grandchildren. Grandma, I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with a 3.4 GPA. I poured my heart and soul into achieving this milestone and wish to give it to you. It's yours, no matter what. I will love you forever.
Edna M. Jones 💝 🌷
(May 24, 1946 - July 16, 2010)
Wisdom
First, keep pursuing your goals, no matter how long it takes. A bachelor's degree is a four-year journey, but it took me almost a decade to achieve mine. I'm a mother of three, and my nine years of service as a Marine have shaped me in ways I never imagined. The skills and wisdom I gained are not just for me, but for a lifetime, and to share with others.
Second, when people say, "It's a journey, not the destination," they underscore the importance of the process in our growth and progress. The journey is where we learn, adapt, and develop as individuals, and it's often the experiences we have that make life worth living. By focusing on the journey, we can find purpose and meaning in our endeavors, develop valuable skills like resilience and perseverance, and create lasting memories.
Lastly, be thankful for everything you have at the moment. And always remember that when it's time for you to go, none of the things you receive will go with you. It's easy to get caught up in desires and worries about what's to come or what we don't have; we sometimes need to pause and appreciate the abundance surrounding us. When our time on this earth ends, none of these material possessions, accomplishments, or achievements will accompany us.
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