Student Spotlight: Vonetta Lacy

My journey to earning my degree is not your typical story. It was full of struggles, setbacks, and unexpected turns, but through it all, I refused to give up on my dream of completing college.

After having my daughter, I decided to step back from my studies and focus on raising her. In the back of my mind, I always knew I wanted to return to finish my degree eventually, but I made the courageous decision to put my family first and start working — putting my dream of gaining my college degree on the back burner. During this period, I also navigated tough changes in my personal life, watched my mother’s health decline rapidly, and eventually faced the profound loss of her passing. After going through some of the hardest moments of my life, I wanted to do something for myself, so I decided it was time to re-enroll in school.

In 2013, I enrolled at Baton Rouge Community College, filled with hope and excitement about pursuing my degree in elementary education. This new chapter felt like a meaningful step toward achieving a lifelong dream. However, not long after starting, I was confronted with a lupus diagnosis that forced me to put my education on hold once again. Shortly after, the 2016 Louisiana floods completely wiped out our family home costing us everything.

Once our family found stability again, my kids were older, and my health was finally under control, I knew deep down that I wasn’t ready to give up on returning to college. Being a mother and caring for my family led me to become passionate about helping people in the social service industry. Ultimately, I decided to switch my major and study child and family studies and consumer services, determined to not let anything stand in my way.

I’m not going to tell you this wasn’t difficult — it was rough. I was taking 18 credits while being a single mother, working full-time, and overcoming new challenges life was throwing at me, but I decided to take on completing my degree with everything I had in me. With the help of a program called “Compete LA”, I was provided a dedicated coach and reduced course fees, used for your entire college experience. Programs like these make a real difference in people like me who want to finish school but need some extra support along the way.

In December 2023, I proudly reached a major milestone — graduating with honors from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The culmination of hard work, dedication, and faith had finally paid off for a moment I will never forget.

Now, I’m looking to work towards continuing my education and receiving my master’s degree. More importantly, I want to use what I’ve learned throughout my college journey to give back to others who may find themselves facing similar challenges. I’m exploring different avenues to launch a nonprofit that supports families like mine through hardship and helps them achieve their dreams. I want to ensure that people can always find the support and resources they need to have that stability.

I wanted to share my story to inspire anyone who wants to go back to college — don’t give up on that dream. I encourage you to move forward — one step at a time. It’s never too late to pursue your future.