When Brianna Jackson, an Information Systems student, reflects on her upcoming graduation from Kennesaw State University, she emphasizes persistence and responsibility rather than the obstacles she has faced. Jackson, who lives with cerebral palsy, describes technology as a tool that improves her life and the lives of others. “Technology makes my life much easier,” Jackson said. “and it makes others’ lives much easier. It’s always evolving every day, and I can’t wait to be a part of that future.”
Jackson’s academic path included setbacks such as academic suspensions, changes in majors, and personal challenges. Despite these difficulties, she viewed each challenge as an opportunity for growth. “I love looking at a challenge and finding my own, different way to achieve it,” she said. “I don’t say ‘Never.’ I don’t say, ‘I can’t.’ I say, ‘One day, I will.’”
Her journey began at Chattahoochee Technical College. There, an early experience nearly discouraged her ambitions when a professor doubted her ability to succeed in an online class because of her need for accommodations. “In one of my online classes, I emailed my professor about securing my accommodations,” she said. “They wrote back and said, ‘I don’t believe this course is for you.’ That broke me. They hadn’t even seen my work, and they hadn’t given me a chance.” Jackson dropped the class but retook it later and excelled.
Jackson transferred to Kennesaw State University in 2019 where she met Michael Gabriele, a transfer specialist and academic advisor at the Coles College of Business. As Jackson encountered more academic hurdles—including probation and repeated classes—her meetings with Gabriele became more frequent.
“Many students feel ashamed when they’re on academic probation,” Gabriele said. “She was never like that. She was honest — ‘Here’s what’s happening in my life, here’s what I’m dealing with.’ And even then, she stayed positive.”
Balancing family responsibilities with coursework proved difficult for Jackson despite her aptitude for learning new concepts quickly. She eventually realized the importance of prioritizing herself: “I love helping people,” she said. “I have a big heart. But I had to learn that I can’t put myself last every time.”
Gabriele recalled encouraging her to focus on self-care: “I remember telling her, ‘You are number one in your life,’” he said. He noted that this lesson took time due to Jackson’s sense of responsibility toward others.
A pivotal moment occurred during the spring semester when Jackson did not graduate as planned: “I didn’t cross that stage, and I said, ‘I’m not going to be in college at 30 years old.’ That pushed me. I woke up.” At age 29, she improved her GPA and regained momentum.
“Very rarely do you see a student go from multiple semesters on probation and two academic dismissals to being on the cusp of graduating with honors,” Gabriele said. “It’s remarkable. She embodies everything we mean when we say Coles students are fighters.”
Now approaching graduation with honors status possible after overcoming two dismissals and several semesters on probation—a rare turnaround according to advisors—Jackson faces new challenges in seeking employment opportunities where employers look beyond her physical disability.
“If I go into a business and ask if they’re hiring, I often hear, ‘You can’t do this job! You’re in a wheelchair,’” Jackson said. “What does that have to do with me working? I worked hard for my degree. I know what I can do.”
Jackson credits her mother as her greatest inspiration: “She adopted me when I was a baby,” Jackson said. “She raised me to believe that I can do anything. She reminds me that I can do anything even if it takes longer or looks different than what people expect.”
Looking ahead after graduation from Kennesaw State University (https://www.colescollege.com/), Jackson aims to develop technology solutions empowering people with disabilities by building platforms for scheduling appointments or managing daily tasks independently.
“People look at me and think they already know what I can do,” she said.“I’m too smart to stay home and do nothing! I know I’m capable,and I’m ready to show that to the world.”
