Student finds new beginning through BSCTC and Ready to Work

Published on Sep 22, 2026

A mother’s love for her children knows no bounds. For Jessica Strong, that love became the motivation she needed to find sobriety, return to college and build a better future for herself and her family.

Strong returned to college at Big Sandy Community and Technical College in fall 2025 after years of overcoming personal barriers. Through Kentucky's Ready to Work (RTW) program, designed to help low-income parents balance family, work and school while pursuing postsecondary degrees or credentials, Strong found the support she needed to take the next step.

“I’ve always wanted to go back to school,” Strong said. “I knew I needed to make a change, and in order to make a change, you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

A single mother of three, Strong said she once believed returning to college was impossible.

“I thought it was impossible, but then I got into Ready to Work,” she said. “I’m 38 years old, so going back to school felt like, ‘Oh, I’m too old for that. Why would I want to do that when my life is almost over?’ But that’s the complete opposite of the truth.”

Strong’s journey of overcoming what she once thought was impossible moved faculty and staff at BSCTC so deeply that she was nominated and selected as the college’s first Student of the Month by Student Services for the 2026-27 academic year.

She is pursuing an associate degree in business administration with a focus on business management. She is expected to graduate in fall 2027.

Her own experiences have shaped her goals for the future. After battling addiction from 2007 until achieving sobriety in 2021, Strong said she wants to use her experiences to help other mothers in recovery.

Her dream is to establish a nonprofit organization that provides struggling mothers with resources and opportunities to build better lives while working toward regaining custody of their children, pursuing education and finding employment.

“I feel like it could help struggling mothers to better their lives,” Strong said. “They would be able to have custody of their children, get insights on education and have job opportunities. I feel like that would have a big impact on the community and help a lot of people.”

Strong is a certified Peer Support Specialist and hopes to combine her education, certifications and personal experience to support other parents through her future nonprofit.

In addition to pursuing her degree, Strong has already begun giving back to other students at BSCTC. She works as a GED administrator and assistant in the college’s Adult Education program, where she helps students with placement testing and mentors participants in Ready to Work.

James Warrix, Ready to Work coordinator at BSCTC, said Strong’s determination and willingness to help others make her an example for students facing similar challenges.

“Jessica is a single mother who has overcome countless obstacles, showing both determination and resilience,” Warrix said. “Her perseverance, work ethic and unwavering commitment to growth are inspiring to witness. When I look at what she can accomplish, I see no ceiling for her. She is an intelligent, driven woman who has consistently risen to every challenge I have observed and has the ability to achieve whatever she sets her mind to.”

Strong said Ready to Work has played an important role in helping her reach where she is today.

“Ready to Work gives us the next step into becoming who we want to be,” Strong said.

She also encourages anyone considering college not to allow their past or circumstances to determine their future.

“Don’t let your past or your barriers stop you from wanting to better yourself,” Strong said.