By: Kaci King
4/21/2005

Senior Lisa Christian didn’t come from a background of privilege. At a very early age she was introduced to adversity after the incarceration of her parents meant spending her formative years in foster care.

Unwilling to be labeled a victim of her circumstances, Christian turned to education. She saw college as the only option to break free from poverty.

“I was born in prison. I grew up disadvantaged and in and out of foster care,” Christian said. “I realized the only way out of the situation I came from was through education.”

Christian enrolled in Friends University’s Degree Completion Program in the fall of 2001. She chose a program specific to adult students so she could take her classes at night, leaving her days free for her husband and three children who Christian feels have made tremendous sacrifices so she could attend school.

At age 38, Christian’s dedication to living a better life will finally pay off, as she graduates this May with a degree in criminal justice.

“I’m not ashamed to have a whole lot of pride about graduating,” Christian said. “It has taken me twice as long, and I have had to work twice as hard to get to this point in my life. Being a student at Friends has taught me to put one foot in front of the other and let nothing stand in my way.”

During her stay at Friends, Christian has not let being a full-time mother and student prevent her from staying active in campus activities. She is a member of the Amnesty International club as well as the History Club.

Phillip Wiseley, professor of sociology and criminal justice, has had the opportunity to work with Christian through her participation in Amnesty International. Wiseley is impressed by her ability to overcome the pitfalls of growing up disadvantaged.

“I think Lisa had a difficult start,” Wiseley said. “It’s incredibly impressive how well she has turned things around for herself.”

Outside of clubs and classes, Christian has worked part time for close to three years at the Edmund Stanley Library. It is the friendships and experience she has developed while working there that she will miss the most after graduation.

“Working at the library has allowed me to expand my knowledge of resources and materials. I also got the chance to work with a wonderful group of people who have been supportive through this entire process,” Christian said.

It is not going to be easy for Kathy Edwards to see a worker like Christian leave. Edwards spent the past three years watching as Christian has blossomed from a college student to college graduate.

“Lisa has been very helpful the entire time she has worked here,” said Edwards, circulation manager. “I’m going to miss her very much. She is one of those people who shows genuine interest in everyone she comes in contact with.”

Christian doesn’t want to stop with a bachelor’s degree. Her plans after graduation include getting into a good graduate program and finding employment. But through Christian’s eyes, her fight is far from over.

“When you can look back on your life and see the foot prints of the roads you have traveled it’s amazing,” she said. “I have something to offer now; I’m ready to be part of the solution.”