When Wilson native Jessica Pigford first stepped onto Barton College’s campus, something clicked. The campus felt just right; small enough to navigate but large enough to explore. Though Jessica was considering both Barton and another school, her mother noticed something she hadn’t yet realized herself; Jessica’s face lit up as she toured the campus, interacted with faculty, and envisioned herself in the intimate classroom settings.
“I knew that I was where I was supposed to be,” Jessica recalls of that pivotal campus visit.
Jessica’s academic journey reflects her passion for helping others. Initially pursuing nursing, she sought to follow in the footsteps of her mother and late father, who always extended helping hands to those in need. After taking a psychology class with Professor Ashley Gardner, however, Jessica discovered a new path.
“I realized that nursing wasn’t the best fit for me. I wanted to care for people in a different way,” she explains. The class sparked her interest with the brain and human behavior, helping her envision a career in psychology. After graduation, Jessica plans to work with autistic children, a calling inspired by her late father.
Since arriving at Barton, Jessica has embraced campus life. Beginning in her freshman year when she joined Tri Sigma sorority, her involvement has only grown. A sorority sister’s encouragement led her to Student Government Association (SGA), where she has risen through the ranks from sophomore representative to her current role as president. Jessica has been active in Justice League, Black Student Union (BSU), and serves as Treasurer of the Psychology Club. She also helps with Campus Activity Board (C.A.B.) events through her SGA responsibilities.
What makes Barton special, Jessica believes, is the supportive community that helps students discover their passions. Faculty members invest time in learning students’ interests and offering personalized guidance. She is grateful for various staff members who have played an influential role in her experience, including Corey Coley and Jennifer High, who have helped harvest her passions and have encouraged her to let them shape her future.
As a recipient of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, Jessica has been able to focus fully on her education and campus involvement. “My scholarship has helped me focus on all of the things I want to do instead of worrying about how I’m going to pay for it,” she shares. “It’s been a big relief having support from donors who want to help make my education possible.”
The impact of her Barton experience has instilled in Jessica a commitment to carry forward the College’s spirit of inclusivity and belonging. Her hope for future students is that they too will find Barton to be a home away from home – a place where they are known, supported, and can form friendships that become family.
“This campus has become one big family to me,” Jessica reflects. “It’s become a place where I feel like I fit in without having to change myself completely. I wouldn’t change a thing about my decision to attend Barton College.”
Jessica is grateful for the community that surrounds her as she prepares to graduate this May. “I get to work with people everyday who push me to be a better version of myself,” she adds, summarizing the impact of the Barton experience that your generous support makes possible.