The road to success varies from one individual to another. That road could be difficult to travel on. For University of North Carolina at Pembroke student Danielle Hairston, the road taken bears no significant importance, but the destination is what matters most.

Hairston, faced with many personal battles, has persevered and is now looking forward to graduating from UNC Pembroke in May 2013. Throughout most her life, Hairston and her mother were best of friends until one unfortunate day when her mom was with a new boyfriend who drained her emotionally and physically eventually, leading to the demise of the relationship.  

“She was my support system, but it all went downhill,” Hairston said.

As an escape route, she sought employment close to her home in Winston-Salem, NC at Wendy’s where she still works weekends. She was hired and was soon paying bills for her mother as well as supporting her younger sister. She did this all as a high school student.

Confronted with despair in her home town and in her house, Hairston still was able to prepare herself for her own life as well as college. With a younger sister observantly watching her and witnessing first hand what it’s like to struggle, Hairston realized that college is a place where she can grow into the prominent woman she desires to be.

Her area of concentration is Mass Communication with hopes of starting her own magazine or hosting a television show. While at UNCP on weekdays, Hairston works at Sam’s Club in Lumberton, NC.

Danielle Hairston is paving a new road for her little sister who is watching her grow into a special woman destined for success. Her perseverance will be one hard act to follow.