From Dropping out to the Dean's List: my journey of growth, Grit, and gratitude

By Janna M. Broaddus

If you had told me years ago that I’d be on the Dean’s List in college, I would have laughed—and not out of disrespect, but because I truly couldn’t have imagined that future for myself. I dropped out of school in the 7th grade and, for a long time, I didn’t think going back was even an option.

But here I am today. I’m currently a Psychology major at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, and I’m on track to transfer to Purdue Global to finish my B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions. I’m proud to say I made the Dean’s List for the 2024–2025 academic year with a 3.9 GPA.

This journey has not been easy. Like many others who have been justice-impacted, I’ve faced obstacles that felt impossible to overcome. But everything began to change when I found From Prison Cells to PhD (P2P).
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P2P gave me more than just a chance—it gave me a family. Through the program, I’ve been able to refocus my life and my skill set. I’ve learned how to navigate higher education, advocate for myself, and push through the setbacks that used to hold me back. The scholar cohorts at P2P have been especially impactful. They’ve helped me build real collegiate skills while also surrounding me with people who believe in my success, even on the days when I wasn’t sure I could keep going.

I never imagined I’d be setting this kind of example for my children, but now I can proudly show them what’s possible when you surround yourself with people who will uplift you and guide you from dark places into the light. That’s exactly what P2P has done for me.
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My story isn’t over—but this chapter is one I’m proud to write. And if you're reading this, wondering if it’s too late to start again, let me be the one to tell you: it’s not. You can do this. You deserve a fresh start too.
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To learn more about From Prison Cells to PhD and how they help people like me, visit www.fromprisoncellstophd.org. You never know—this might be where your journey begins, too.