Meet Airman Jayla Graham, an active military member and part-time student at Hillsborough College (HC). Originally from Pensacola, Florida, Jayla’s military enlistment was inevitable. Growing up in a family with deep military roots, she felt that enlistment was a natural next step. When faced with the choice between college or the armed forces after high school, Jayla chose to enlist in the U.S. Air Force in August 2022.
“I knew around 16 that I was a rebellious child—I needed that discipline and stability,” she said. “I didn’t want to go out into the world without a steady source of income. A lot of the challenges I faced, I learned from them, and they helped me with my character development and adulthood. It expedited the process to learn general life knowledge.”
After three years of active service, Jayla made the decision to return to her education. She discovered that HC offered the flexibility and support she needed to balance military life and academics. In 2024, she enrolled in online courses at the Dale Mabry Campus to pursue an associate degree in business administration.
Since beginning her prerequisites, Jayla has learned to manage the demands of coursework, class, work and personal priorities.
“It taught me the steadfast concentration I need to maintain a high GPA and set a standard for myself,” she said. “It’s preparing me for my core classes and showing me what to expect for time management.”
Jayla encourages others considering business administration to approach it with an open mind and to see it as more than just a degree for running a business. She also recommends that students explore the HC Foundation, connecting with academic advisors and never letting obstacles stop anyone from pursuing their education.
“HC has given me a stable foundation to put myself out there,” she said. “A few years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined being part of Phi Theta Kappa or maintaining a high GPA. HC motivates all students to push their education further.”
With the HC Foundation, Jayla recently participated in the Foundation’s Partners Scholarship Luncheon by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
“At first, I questioned if I should really get involved,” she said. “But I was able to meet amazing people and connect with so many in an environment where I could learn and grow.”
Jayla expresses gratitude to Keyshonna Miller-McNeil, HC Foundation scholarship and engagement manager, for her guidance and encouragement. During the luncheon’s interview process, Jayla was asked deeply personal questions that challenged her to reflect on her past and share her story with vulnerability. She reflected on her childhood that led her to where she was today and discovered a deeper perseverance to pursue her education while remaining an active member of the military.
“It opened my mind to realize that other people go through the same things I do,” she said. “It made me realize that we are very enduring people.”
Jayla believes her experience at HC has been more rewarding than what she might have received at a four-year university. Her journey and experience felt intentional to have built connections through the smaller class size, professors and academic advisors.
Looking to the future, Jayla’s professional goal is to enter the healthcare field and start her own business with ultrasound technicians. For now, she aims to finish her associate degree, followed by her bachelor’s and master’s degree, while continuing to serve in the Air Force for 20 years before retiring. Her expected graduation date from HC is summer 2026, in which she plans to join the FUSE program and smoothly transfer to the University of South Florida.
Jayla credits her grandmother, who has pushed her to stay true to her goals—both educational and professional—and to never give up on herself.
“Have great faith within yourself,” she said. “A lot of challenges come with balancing classes, life, a job and family. As long as you know what your end goal is, the challenges are part of progress. They don’t define who you are.”
To learn more about the business administration program, please visit the HC website for more information.