Articles
HCC Houston Reconnect scholar proves it’s never too late to finish college
Jan 5, 2026
After stepping away from college for health reasons, a 45‑year‑old single mom used the Houston Reconnect Scholarship to complete her degree through HCC Global Online, moving her closer to a dream career.
At 45, Roshell Brisby decided her time had finally come. A single mother of four adult children, she had spent years putting her own education on hold while raising her family and working. In 2018, she earned her GED and immediately started an associate degree program at Houston City College (HCC), determined to build a new career path for herself.
Life, however, forced her to pause. Health issues meant Brisby had to step away from school when she was just three classes shy of completing her associate degree. She admits the finish line kept getting pushed to the back burner, even as family and friends encouraged her not to give up.
That is when the Houston Reconnect Scholarship changed everything. As an adult who had already earned credits at HCC, Brisby was exactly the type of student the initiative was designed to support—community members who started college but had to stop before graduating. Through Houston Reconnect, HCC advisors reached out directly, guided her back into the enrollment process, and helped remove financial barriers so she could return and finish.
Brisby remembers feeling skeptical at first, unsure whether the offer was real or whether she could balance school, work and family again. But the outreach from her HCC Global Online advisor, Orlando Zamora, made the difference. With clear information, encouragement and a personalized plan, she realized she only needed a few more classes to cross the stage at graduation.
“Don’t stop” became both her inner mantra and the example she wanted to set for her children and grandson.
To make everything work, Brisby chose HCC Global Online so she could manage her job, care for her middle‑school‑aged grandson and keep up with schoolwork. The flexibility of the HCC online programs allowed her to study from home, log in around her schedule, and stay in her comfort zone while still meeting deadlines.
At first, the transition felt challenging. Once she got into a rhythm, though, Brisby discovered her appreciation for the freedom and structure that online learning provided. Clear expectations from instructors helped her stay organized, and regular email communication built her confidence in reaching out with questions just like she would in a professional work environment. Being able to focus quietly at home gave her peace of mind and the security to juggle school, work and family responsibilities.
The impact of finally finishing her degree runs deep. Brisby says completing college “means the world” because it represents years of sacrifice and a powerful reminder that she is worthy of the rewards of her hard work. After putting herself on hold for so long, walking across the stage in her cap and gown is a visible sign—to herself and to her family—that she is good enough, deserving and capable of achieving even bigger goals.
Her four children have been her greatest cheerleaders throughout the journey, offering emotional support and encouragement when classes felt overwhelming. Their belief in her helped keep Brisby moving forward through good days and bad ones. She hopes her degree shows them what persistence, faith and “mind over matter” can accomplish.
Now, as an HCC graduate, Brisby is already planning her next steps. She is exploring new job opportunities, and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and she is even thinking about law school. For her, the Houston Reconnect Scholarship is not just a helping hand—it is a bridge to a new career and a different life.
For other adults thinking about returning to school, Brisby’s message is simple: Your journey is your own, and you are worth the effort it takes to finish. She encourages prospective students to keep going, lean on faith, and take it one step at a time: breathe, focus on the next task, and remember that every assignment completed brings you closer to your own “walk across the stage.”
If you left college before completing your degree, Houston Reconnect may be able to help you complete at HCC. To learn more about eligibility, available programs, and flexible online options, visit hccs.edu/Reconnect. To explore all our online options, visit hccs.edu/online.