Combs proves its never too late to finish education
Donna Combs has proven it’s never too late to go back to finish your college degree. She chose Morehead State University at Jackson to do just that.
A Breathitt County resident for 44 years, she is the mother of two daughters, Arlina Spencer and Kayla Combs, one son-in-law, Scott Spencer, and one grandson, Jacob Spencer, all from Jackson.
She has been involved in organizations such as Wilderness Road Girls Scouts (12-plus years), Breathitt Youth Foundation (8-plus years), cheerleading coach, and statistician for several basketball games at the local elementary, middle, and high schools. She is currently a co-coach of the Breathitt County High School Volleycats.
As a member of Girl Scouts of America, she was a leader and a service unit manager. She has worked with special needs children for more than 20 years as an instructional assistant. She also has worked with events for the annual Breathitt County Honey Festival and Riverside Fourth-of-July celebration. Combs started “Bringing Hope to Students” dress store, a program to assist students who may not be able to attend their high school prom.
A 1979 BCHS graduate, Combs didn’t attend college. Instead she received secretarial certification from Breathitt County Area Vocational School.
What made Combs return to school was her oldest daughter, who said, “Mom, you would be an excellent teacher and that is what you are meant to be.”
Her daughter had started college the semester before and encouraged her to begin so she could improve her life.
On the path of her success, she first attended Hazard Community College/Lees Campus and then enrolled with MSU Jackson to pursue her degree in university studies. She successfully completed her program, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of University Studies degree in May 2008.
Since completing her degree, she has been working for the Breathitt County School District as a special education teacher. She has been employed with the school district for the past 20 years, and has worked at Breathitt High School for the past 14 years.
Combs believes her experience with MSU Jackson has allowed her to receive the education at her own convenience, and allowed her the opportunity to continue her dreams.
“Many nontraditional students such as myself, are nervous about attempting a new career, but MSU Jackson has caring people who will make this transition easy.” Said Combs, “I am only as successful as the people behind me. I was able to attend college financially because of organizations such as the Turner Foundation, Kentucky Farm Bureau Scholarship, Edith Schwath Foundation, and many others. I believe that everyone should attempt to achieve their goals without fear of failure.
Believe me; I feared the same throughout my entire college career. All you have to do is take the first step to an institute such as MSU Jackson and the rest will be easy.”
Additional information is available by contacting MSU Jackson at (800) 729-5225. Early registration for the Spring 2010 semester begins Nov. 9.
Posted: 10-13-09
