Two University of Louisville graduates were recently surprised with heartfelt messages from their families. The moments were captured on video.
Jessica Carney-Perks, an undergraduate communications student in the College of Arts and Sciences, attended Noe Middle School and duPont Manual High School. Her collegiate journey took her to two other universities before transferring to UofL where she completed her degree.
“There’s nothing like it, especially to return home. These are my roots,” she said. “To be in this space and transition from all of these locations, it’s all been a part of the journey.”
Carney-Perks said the decision to transfer to UofL came with support from her family.
“They’ve been through every twist, turn, curve I’ve hit,” said Carney-Perks.
Carney-Perks was surprised with a letter from her mother, who spoke of her intelligence, strength and humor.
Alison Jackson, a graduate student in the College of Education and Human Development, is from Lexington and said UofL created an environment where she felt connected to her fellow students from day one.
“I was looking for an environment that was supportive of non-traditional students,” said Jackson.
Jackson completed her bachelor’s degree in May 2023 and jumped into the master’s program soon after, all while having a full-time job and taking care of her family. She said she would often do homework with her grandson at the kitchen table.
“He calls me ‘honey’ and he would often look at me and say, ‘Honey, are you finished with your work?’ Being able to see him encourage and support me was fun and made a difference in my life and his as well,” she said.
Jackson’s daughter Ashlee wrote the letter and spoke on Jackson’s resilience and dedication to achieving her education all while supporting their family.
This heartwarming event serves as a reminder of the profound impact that family support has on the lives of UofL students and the importance of celebrating their achievements.
