First generation college student earns Hinds CC degree after long struggle with substance use
Pearl, MS (05/19/2026) — Fifty-two-year-old Angela Hasty walked across the stage at Muse Center all smiles, but, behind the happy face, she was nervous. The Vicksburg woman said she dropped out of college 30 years, living a rough life driven by drug addiction.
After she got sober five years ago, returning to school was one of her goals. On Thursday, Hasty earned an associate's degree from Hinds Community College making her one step closer to a career in hospital administration. Next, she will attend Jackson State University in pursuit of a bachelor's degree.
"I just can't even put it into words right now," the blonde Hasty said following the 10 a.m. commencement exercises. "It's just amazing. I'm also the first one in my immediate family to graduate from college. They're here and they're all excited."
Hasty was among more than 1,100 Hinds Community College graduates donning caps and gowns for spring commencement exercises. Hinds awarded more than 1,500 degrees and certificates during five graduation ceremonies.
Among the graduates, 615 graduated with honors; 239 students graduated cum laude, a 3.2-3.59 grade point average out of 4.0; 177 graduated magna cum laude, a 3.6-3.99 GPA, and 199 graduated summa cum laude, a perfect 4.0 GPA.
In his remarks, Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik told graduates what will matter most in their careers is loving the work. Every day won't be wonderful, and the week won't always end on Friday at 5 p.m., but finding "the red threads in your tapestry of life," will bring genuine satisfaction, Vacik said, referring to moments of deep fulfillment.
"When the proposal you made is accepted by a client, when a patient who should have died lives because of your efforts, when your weld is the final one on a new hotel in town - whatever it may be - let those moments carry you through the mundane tasks that confront us all," he said.
Offering the invocation and benediction for the 10 a.m. ceremony on May 14, 10 a.m. was Shakira Bell of Brandon. A Rankin Campus student, she participated in Phi Theta Kappa Honor society, Honors, IDEAL Women and the marching band on the Raymond Campus. She plans to transfer to Belhaven University to major in chemistry with a pre-medicine focus.
Graduate Shakeria Gainwell of Yazoo City was selected by classmates as the speaker. A Raymond Campus student, she studied psychology. She plans to transfer to Mississippi State University in the fall.
Gainwell told fellow graduates they were celebrating more than a degree on graduation day. Together, they were celebrating growth, resilience, and the quiet battles no one else saw.
"Because the truth is, this journey wasn't easy. There were moments we felt overwhelmed, moments we questioned if we even belonged here. But we kept going. And that is what makes this moment powerful," Gainwell said.
Gainwell struggled with food insecurity and other personal issues in the fall. She thanked Hinds staff for supporting her academically, emotionally and personally and for helping her to feel like she belonged at the college.
"I was really in a bad place. As it went on, I realized my reality is what I make it," Gainwell said. "When I look back, I don't see pity, I don't see sadness. I see growth and resilience. It makes me feel confident and inspired because I know if I can get through this, I can get through anything."
Gainwell said she put limits on herself that were never real but were constraints built on fear, doubt and uncertainty. Once she pushed through, she discovered "we were never meant to be limited. We were made to be limitless. Our dreams are meant to be chased and caught."
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Angela Hasty of Vicksburg is the first person in her immediate family to graduate from college – earning an associate’s degree on May 14 from Hinds Community College. She said one of her goals after overcoming addiction five years ago was to continue her education after dropping out of college 30 years ago. She plans to pursue a degree in hospital administration at Jackson State University.
\Hinds Eagles mascot McKenzie Johnson, 20, of Crystal Springs donned the claws from her costume for graduation on May 15 at the Muse Center. She will pursue a degree in agriculture education at Mississippi State University.
Hinds CC graduate Shakeria Gainwell, left, of Yazoo City, delivered the commencement address at the college’s 10 a.m. graduation ceremony on May 14. She is with President Dr. Stephen Vacik and Shakira Bell of Brandon, who provided the invocation and benediction.
A lucky graduate shows off a bouquet of white roses and $20 bills following commencement exercises on May 14 at 10 a.m. at Muse Center.
Hinds CC graduates JC Strickland, 18, Abigail Mandarino, 18, and Manmeet Kaur, 18, all of Vicksburg will all head off to different colleges in the fall.
Manilyn Jordan, 35, of Pelahatchie, celebrates with her family after receiving an associate’s degree in general studies on May 14 at 10 a.m. commencement exercises at Muse Center.
Vicksburg twins Charles and Sam Harris, 18, and Raymond Washington, 18, of Vicksburg, proudly hold their Hinds CC diplomas after 10 a.m. graduation on May 14 at Muse Center. All three plan to attend Mississippi State University in the fall.
Hinds CC graduates celebrate at the end of 10 a.m. commencement exercises at Muse Center on May 14.