Meet Jodie Gray, whose story is wrought by courage, determination, and a refusal to let circumstances define her future. Growing up in government housing and facing hardships children shouldn’t have to endure, her dream of becoming a nurse was ignited early. I wanted to be a nurse ever since kindergarten,” Gray shared. “My desire for a career in nursing kept building as I got older and realized I wanted to treat people with kindness.
Despite being an honors student in high school, life took unexpected turns. At 16, Gray became a teen mother and earned her GED, all while navigating the loss of her grandmother—her main source of support—and the challenges of an unstable family environment.
“Since 16, I’ve experienced numerous challenges to obtaining my degrees and learned that only 2% of teen moms obtain a four-year degree before their 30s,” she shared. “Boy, did I prove those statistics wrong!”
Gray’s path was anything but smooth. She had to drop out of college three times, retake classes, and overcome financial struggles, surgeries, and personal losses.
There were semesters I had to take just one class or press pause entirely,” she explained. “I would save pennies until I could go back. But I never stopped. I knew I was building something better for myself and for my children.
All of her hard work culminated in May 2025 when she graduated from Athens State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, just days before turning 31. A key part of Gray’s success was the flexibility and support offered by Athens State. She shared that the payment plans offered by Athens State exceeded her expectations and allowed her to finish her degree faster than she could have dreamt. Furthermore, professors went above and beyond to assist her in her coursework and were responsive around the clock to answer questions and provide guidance.
“Despite living almost two hours away, Athens State stayed in communication with me the entire time,” she said. “It felt like the University was right down the road.”
Looking back, Gray credits her four children as her motivation to persevere. She remembers the longing to provide for the extras both in life and at school for her children like field trips, sports, and book fair money. Gray shared that she would see other moms providing for their children and wanted the same for her family.
“If it wasn’t for my children, I think I would have settled for the bare minimum,” she explained.
Her journey has not only transformed her life, but has also inspired others around her. Now, Gray and her children can give back by helping friends meet practical needs and offering guidance to those determined to chart a new path for their life.
My oldest is turning 15, and he remembers a lot,” Gray shared. “He can tell when someone is in need and our family steps in when we can. Everything we went through was for a purpose.
That sense of purpose has propelled Gray into the next phase of her career. After 11 years working as a CNA, Gray now serves as Staff Development Coordinator at Terrace Manor, a position she could only earn because of her BSN from Athens State.
“It’s because of Athens State that I have my position at Terrace Manor,” she said. “And I really love it. Getting my degree was a self-esteem booster because I didn’t realize I could make good grades and do well on my own. I also didn’t realize all of the doors that would open for me with a BSN.”
Gray shared that when she was in middle school, her grandmother challenged her to work hard and learn as much as she could. According to her grandmother, hard work and knowledge would be her ticket out of the cycle of poverty.
The journey through adversity has shaped Gray into a leader who not only trains and supports healthcare staff, but also brings compassion and perspective to every part of her role. Through perseverance and an unwavering belief in her purpose, she has built a stable, hopeful future for herself and her children. Jodie Gray’s story is proof that determination and education, paired with the right support, can break cycles and empower the next generation to reach their full potential.
About the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The BSN Program provides a pathway for success for registered nurses seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The program provides student-centered learning experiences in a supportive environment to prepare registered nurses to assume leadership positions, manage complex clinical care, and improve the health and welfare of the individuals and populations within their community and across the nation. Learn more about the BSN program HERE.
You can help students like Jodie fulfill their dreams and open doors to opportunity when you donate for Athenian Giving Day.