When Lisa Wilson found out she was selected as the graduate student speaker for Temple University College of Education and Human Development (CEHD)’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony, she was overwhelmed with emotion.
“I screamed and then I cried,” she recalled. “It felt like I conquered something that had always scared me.”
The moment was more than a milestone—it was a powerful symbol of how far she had come. A longtime educator and non-traditional learner, Wilson’s path to the podium was paved with perseverance, purpose and an unwavering belief in the power of education.
Wilson never gave up, even when the journey took longer than expected—and that’s what makes it so meaningful.
“At the start of my career, I balanced work while attending Pierce College, and then I paused my education as I started my family,” Wilson shared. “Years later, when I returned to college, my mother's illness required my attention, so once again I placed education on hold.”
In 2017, she resumed her studies—but faced another setback after the passing of her mother in 2018. Finally, in 2019, she recommitted to her education.
Through all the stops and starts, Wilson never lost sight of her goals.
“Life’s challenges have shown me that resilience is rising after every setback,” she said. “Lifelong learning goes beyond degrees—it’s embracing growth in every season. And perseverance is keeping your goals in sight regardless of time."
After spending 20 years with the School District of Philadelphia, Wilson made a momentous decision in 2007 to leave and take on a new role at Temple University. Years later, when it was time to return to school, Temple felt like the natural choice.
“It was a no-brainer,” she said. “It already felt like home.”
Along the way, Wilson earned an event management certificate in 2008 and an entrepreneurial certificate in 2019, reflecting her commitment to learning, growing and evolving personally and professionally. She eventually completed her bachelor’s in adult and organizational development in 2023 before finishing up her masters of education in higher education in 2025.
Before choosing her graduate program, Wilson leaned heavily on the guidance of CEHD’s faculty and staff. She credits Academic Advisor Owen Jones, Professor and Department Chair Shanta Hattikudur, and Graduate Student Advisor Nicholas Adams with helping her navigate the process.
“I know I can reach out to my professors anytime I need support,” she added. “They helped me explore my options and gave me the confidence to move forward.”
Wilson describes Adjunct Assistant Professor Latosha Henderson’s Access and Equity in Higher Ed course as particularly powerful, noting that Henderson helped her build lasting connections.
Interpersonal Communication, a course she took as an undergraduate, helped her become a more mindful communicator. In graduate school, courses like Introduction to Higher Education and Getting into College: Strategic Enrollment Management helped her understand how institutions serve students on a broader scale.
She is currently taking a class called College Students and Development Theory, which she describes as phenomenal. The course is taught by Adjunct Assistant Professor Greg Nayor, who also wrote one of Wilson’s recommendation letters for the Graduate Student Speaker nomination, along with Professor Henderson.
“His engaging teaching style and dedication to student success have made a long-lasting impression on my academic journey,” she shared.
Even with her busy course load, Wilson volunteers with a nonprofit that teaches coding to K-12 students and supports parents with scheduling and curriculum guidance.
“It’s so fulfilling,” Wilson said. “Watching the students grow gives me so much joy.”
Through it all, juggling being a student, a professional and a caregiver forced her to develop strong time management skills and prioritize her responsibilities. Journaling became a useful tool for helping her stay organized.
“Writing everything down helped me stay focused and keep my days structured,” she shared.
Her proudest accomplishments—making the Dean’s List and being named CEHD graduate student speaker—are more than accolades; they’re symbols of everything she overcame.
“Temple helped shape me into the woman I am today,” she said. “I know I’m ready to support and guide the next generation.”
Public speaking was once one of her biggest fears—but now it’s a moment she’s embracing fully.
“I never enjoyed public speaking,” she admitted. “It’s not something I would have applied for five years ago, but today, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Wilson hopes her story reminds others—especially non-traditional students—that it’s never too late to start or return to your education. She’s even considering using her experiences to create resources to help adult learners navigate college.
“Don’t second guess yourself,” she said. “If you want to do it, just do it.”
Wilson hopes her speech reminds her fellow graduates to keep pushing forward.
“Your experience is your biggest teacher. Give yourself grace and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she said. Wilson stresses the importance of leaning on your community, whether it’s classmates, coworkers, professors or mentors. “Don’t beat yourself up when you stumble. Keep pushing forward and remember everything you’ve learned here.”
And through it all, she says she could not have made it without the support of her family—especially her husband, Joel Wilson and her daughter, Jordyn Melvin.
“They’ve always been my rock,” she shared. “Jordyn—now earning her master’s in sport business management at Temple—has long been my greatest inspiration.”
Watching her daughter navigate graduate school while pursuing her own degree gave Wilson even more motivation to keep going. Their shared journey through Temple University is one of her proudest experiences. As she looks ahead to graduation, Wilson hopes to leave her fellow graduates with a message of encouragement and purpose.
‘We’re an ambitious academic community leading innovation in education,” she noted. “The road might look different for everyone, but whatever you can do to achieve your goals—do it.”