Why Gifts Matter: Scholarship Support “Absolutely a Huge, Life-changing Thing” for Calena Jones

In 2020, Calena Jones put her college dreams on hold. Her mother was involved in a serious car accident, and Jones dropped out to take care of her and two younger sisters. 

For the next few years, Jones and her family were homeless, living in a series of hotels and motels. Despite these obstacles, Jones never gave up on returning to school.

“I wanted to go back,” she said. 

In 2023, the Jones family moved into a new house, and Jones was able to start classes as an elementary education major at the NC State College of Education, with the goal of becoming a teacher who is always there for her students, especially those who are struggling. 

“I would love to [help] that one child who is going through such a hard time of homelessness or bullying and just be that teacher who says, ‘Hey, I’m here. I’m holding your hand; I’m cheering you on, and no matter what, you are going to make it through,'” Jones said.

As Jones continues her educational journey, she receives financial support through the Suzanne Montague Ridgill Memorial Scholarship, which she describes as “truly a blessing.”

“I showed my mom, and she was on the verge of tears, and then I realized I’m on the verge of tears,” Jones said. “It is absolutely a huge, life-changing thing.”

Not only did the scholarship allow Jones to save money, but it also created a ripple effect and inspired one of her sisters, a recent high school graduate, to apply for and receive a scholarship of her own.

“I didn’t realize how much of a role model I was being, and how I’ve started off this amazing generational blessing that has come along with it,” Jones said.

Jones also wants to be a role model for the students she will one day teach. So far, her favorite part about being in the College of Education has been her field experiences at Lacy, Wiley Magnet and Conn Magnet elementaries.

“I love kids, and I found that it brought me a lot of joy just simply watching them learn,” Jones said.

Now that Jones has resumed her own educational journey, she is excited to not only become an elementary school teacher who sets the foundation for her students’ future learning, but to also one day return to school and potentially earn a master’s degree in school administration.  

“You have to just keep telling yourself you can do it, and that the next generation is watching you, ” she said.