Sunday, April 30, 2023

JSU Grad Fulfill's Late Father's Wish

 Rachel James-Terry authored the following essay for Jackson State University. 

A loving mother, devoted daughter, and passionate entrepreneur, Jackson State University senior Cynthia Porter will soon add JSU alum to her designation on Saturday, April 29.

A native of Chicago with deep family ties to Mississippi, the interdisciplinary studies major is no stranger to the woes of life that may cause one to lose track of their vision.

Porter credits her now-deceased grandmother and father with teaching her the importance of discipline, hard work, and consistency.

“My creed to myself was that whatever may arise, I will stay grounded in my goals and set an example for those observing me so that they trust the process and finish the race,” said Porter. “I needed my child to understand that you must always finish what you started.”

In 1991, Porter received her GED after dropping out of high school to help support her grandmother, sister and brother. Shortly after that, she attained her two-year degree in general studies from the Kennedy King College in Chicago. In 2006, she began a traveling spa business. 

“My family was proud and told me to keep up the good work. You are doing things we never were able to or thought we could do,” said Porter, whose mother and father only had an elementary school education.

After losing her grandmother, Porter relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, to care for her father and to be closer to him in his later years. In the process, Porter said she recognized how her mother was incredibly proud of her academic achievements thus far and the importance of finishing the race.

“It was a moment of clarity for me. I felt good that I could accomplish something that I know was difficult for my mother and father,” said Porter, who enrolled at JSU in 2014 but took a break to attend the Academy of Hair Design and Magnolia College of Cosmetology to get licensed as a nail technician and esthetician.

In 2017, Porter opened one of the only nail salons in Durant, Mississippi, at that time. During the early stages of her business, she faced some challenges.

“The biggest difficulty was being Black in a field that is predominately Asian and Korean. Most people would come to me and say, ‘I’m going to give you a try.’ I would laugh, but I understood it was my only shot,” said Porter, who divulged that people would urge her to give up the nail business and open a restaurant.

But, she stuck to her plan, repositioned her business strategy, and leaned into preparing her daughter, Amari, for entrepreneurship and business management. In doing so, she could pass invaluable skills to her family while progressively chipping away at her academic goals.

“I wanted Amari to learn the business because it would place her in a position to be independent of the stresses of working for someone else, allow time for her to pour into her son [my grandson] and be available for his needs, as well as make the kind of money that people her age and mine only dream of,” Porter said.

Turning back to JSU, Porter registered for JSU Online in 2020. She credits the program for allowing her the flexibility to multitask and manage demanding areas of life.

During this time, Porter’s father, who was hospitalized, and on a breathing machine, devoted himself to nurturing her academic excellence. He would often send her out of the hospital to attend class instead of having her stay with him during his last moments.

“It was a crazy time for me. I was on autopilot. I would go from the hospital to a math class I took 20 years ago in 2001, but I had to retake it to align with today’s graduation standards,” she said.

Porter shared that her professor and classmates bolstered her resolve. 

"I wanted to drop the class and be there with my father, but they told me to hang in there, and they would get me through. My dad passed Nov. 2, 2021. I continued because he said, ‘I need you to do this. You’ve come too far and worked so hard.’ I am sad and happy now because I am finishing, but he can’t be here to see it,” she said.

Porter also credits the compassion and empathy of JSU faculty, staff, and several classmates for providing moral support, tutoring sessions, and grace during her moments of grief.

“There were so many people checking on me. I was grateful. My professor and classmates made sure I did not check out and become depressed, so I began to push through because I realized I was just too close to the finish,” she said. 

Upon graduating, Porter has her eyes set on pursuing law school locally or out-of-state and attending workshops and study sessions in preparation for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

“I want to concentrate on business and estate planning because this is what I’m finding my community needs. I have helped a lot of people get EINs and Tax ID numbers. I have drafted Articles of Incorporation for their business and helped them structure those companies to operate correctly. But think of what I could do if I had the legal knowledge,” said Porter.

Porter further acknowledges several JSU faculty for their support, including Adjunct Professor Herious Cotton, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies Carlos Wilson, Ph.D., Director of Student Support Services Gloria Stamps-Smith, Ph.D., and her niece, Tia Mason, who attended JSU.

“I want to let someone know out there that whatever your dream is, whatever work you put into it is exactly what you will get out of it, so push,” she said.

For more information about JSUOnline, click here.

 

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

In most cases, success or failure is the result of choices, not uncontrollable circumstances. This is the lesson we don't hear enough. Keep pushing.

Anonymous said...

What a great story and lesson in perseverance! One of the great things about our country. Congratulations to Miss Porter on her accomplishments!

Anonymous said...

Well done!

More young Jackson residents should pay close attention to such a success story.

Anonymous said...

Way to Go, Ms. Porter. You are an example not only for those that closely know you but a fantastic example for all that are exposed to your story. I look forward to sharing this story with my employees, partner, and family. Great Job finishing the race. BWC


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Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


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Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

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