The 2024 graduate has four adult children, three biological and one whom she took guardianship of when he was 14 years old. Diana says that life was not easy for her family as she raised her children mostly on her own. The 45-year old credits watching her own father overcome obstacles with giving her the strength to press on in the face of adversity. Diana always wanted to pursue her bachelor's degree, but put raising her children first.
Diana had her first child, Xavier, when she was only 20-years old, after a difficult pregnancy. Expecting a healthy baby boy, she was not prepared for the news she would receive upon his birth. "All I remember the doctor saying is he had “something” wrong with him, but it could be "fixed"," Diana explains. She did not get to see her baby for almost four hours, and when she finally did she felt both relieved and heart broken.
"I could not understand why my baby was born with his cleft lip and palate, "cloved" ears, and other visible deformities," says Diana. Doctors did extensive testing, but were not able to find any syndromes or diseases. The doctors decided Xavier must have more than two congenital disabilities that caused his deformities but never found anything. Years later a physical therapist suggested that he had something neurological going on, but doctors disagreed.
At age 12 Diana noticed that one of Xavier's shoulders was higher than the other, but thought it might be because of the way that he walked. "Xavier loved playing sports," says Diana. "He was a typical boy other than being in and out for surgeries at this time." Everything changed one day at age 14 when Xavier was hit while playing football.
The hit still bothering him hours later, so Diana decided to take him to the hospital. The doctor on duty said that he had "something" wrong with his neck and spinal area, that it was not from the hit, and should be okay. He assured her that the radiologist would read the x-rays and contact them if there were any concerns.
"Come to find out, Xavier was born with what is called Klipple File Syndrome, Tethered Cord, and Cervical Spinal Stenosis and was born without his right internal carotid artery," explains Diana. Though the doctors had done testing to look for these kinds of things 14 years early, Xavier's particular conditions were extremely rare. Because of their rarity, most doctors hadn't heard of these conditions at this point.
"This explained why he was born with visible deformities, the way he would walk, ankles giving out, struggle to run, and more," recounts Diana. It took 14 years for a small-town doctor to notice something hundreds of doctors had missed through the years of MRIs, x-rays, and testing. Today Xavier is 25 and works as a corrections officer and is working to become a police officer. He doesn't allowing ongoing pain from spinal issues or any other symptoms keep him down.
Diana also had two more exceptional children and gained a bonus child while dealing with Xavier's medical issues. "My daughter and best friend, Jullian, is intelligent, caring, and a momma hen," says Diana. "She has struggled with her own mental health battles of anxiety and depression but has made it through." She is married and is going to nursing school to pursue her passion of helping those battling mental illness.
"My youngest son Garrett gave me a run for my money," explains Diana "He is autistic, and boy was raising him hard." Garrett struggled in school with reading, math, and primary workbook delays. "However, give this child something to take apart, put together, and learn hands-on; you will have the best worker ever," says Diana.
Garrett began driving at age 18 and today, at 21, is living on his own in Arizona near his sister. He works in the mines there and makes good money. "It is a blessing as a mom to see a child who struggled so much growing up to be as successful as he is," Diana says. Through Garrett, Diana gained another child.
Justin, her bonus child, is Garrett's best friend and the only person who has ever accepted Garrett for who he is. "He grew up with parents who struggled with addiction," explains Diana. "They never knew where they would be sleeping or have food to eat." Justin had been staying at their home for a while when Diana talked to him about living with them. "He was thrilled to have somewhere to sleep every night and food to eat, and he could get back to school," says Diana.
"Due to the lack of resources and being clueless about Xavier and then both my other kids struggling with mental health-related needs, I decided to raise awareness, advocating for children and families that did not have a voice," explains Diana. She researched, found resources in different areas, and educated herself to help other families. She also did bake sales, walks, made t-shirts, and more to raise funds for research and awareness and help those in need.
These life experiences began to pave the way for a field of study and career path for Diana. Though times were hard when her kids were growing up, often finding herself without the proper resources or support, Diana made it work. "As they grew, I knew someday I would get to attend school and show my children that you can achieve your dreams and goals no matter how old you are," says Diana.
Diana credits the ability to take one class at a time, 5-week long classes, and faith as reasons for choosing SNU. She adds that these factors plus the support of professors and staff at SNU Tulsa set the university apart.
“Diana's perseverance, zeal for learning, and hard work makes her a remarkable example of today's resilient adult learner,” says Dr. Anne Ghostbear, Director of SNU-Tulsa. “We are so proud to have partnered with Diana, and her wonderful family, in her quest to earn her bachelor's degree. She's making such a difference in the lives of so many and we know the sky is the limit for Diana!”
"Four years were hard. Completing the bridge program and then the FSG program, plus working full-time and sometimes two jobs, took a lot of time and dedication," Diana explains. "I will be forever thankful for the professors, advisor, and friends I made along the way."
The hard work and dedication has paid off for Diana. She was offered a Case Worker II position, which will provide a significant increase to her income. Congratulations on all of your achievements, Diana! We wish you all the best and that you will continue to see God's hand on your life as you continue to seek Him.
Southern Nazarene University is a private Christian university located in Bethany, Oklahoma. Committed to a values-driven education, SNU offers students an environment where they can develop academically, spiritually, and socially. With a history of academic excellence, SNU continues to prepare students to become impactful leaders through its rigorous programs and close-knit community. For more information, please contact pgsadmissions@mail.snu.edu.