SALUTE THE GRADS
Vol 21, No. 1 • May 2021
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
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Mom finds time for herself to better her family’s future By Lucy Weber Celia Neal Luster has never been one to put herself first. These days, though, she is finding the time for herself to work on her college degree so she can inspire her children and better her family’s future. In life, Luster has worked to help others – as a certified nursing assistant, a mother to two daughters (“two of the most beautiful in the world”) and a loving sister, aunt and friend “to some amazing people.” Luster, a Corinth resident, started Northeast Mississippi Community College in January 2020 after realizing she wanted to get her college degree so she can direct her passion to help others through a new career. Deciding on the best career took some time. “I have been an employee at the local Whitfield Nursing Home for almost sixteen years. Caring for our elderly has always been a passion of mine,” Luster said. “Over many years I have considered going back to school, but I was always confused about what field would bring me the most joy. Most people would say go into nursing since you have been a certified nursing assistant for almost twenty years, but I have never had a passion for nursing. I
wanted a field that meant more to me than just the amount of money that could be made.” Now, she is on her way to becoming a social work, a field she has experience with. “Being that I had been a foster child since the first or second grade, what better way to make a difference in this world,” she said. “Another reason it took me so long to further my education was the fact that I have always been the dependable person, and being so independent the thought of leaning on anyone else for help absolutely scared me. One of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life was Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835 choosing
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myself,” Luster said. Luster, a dedicated member of Mason St Luke Baptist Church, decided to take that leap of faith since “the Lord has yet to fail me. He has always made a way even when I couldn't see one. I would not have made it this far without my faith.” As a mother, Luster said she wants to make her daughters, Jaycee Luster 14, and Keyada Gunn 8, proud. The two girls give her more inspiration than they will ever know, and Luster said she’s earning her degree for them too. “I also wanted to be something that my children could be proud of and knowing that if their mom could do it at age 40 that Celia Neal Luster
anything is possible for them,” she said. Luster has two more classes from NEMCC that she plans to finish in the fall semester before heading to the University of Mississippi next January to finish her degree in social work. “After that, I will shoot for my master’s in social work if the Lord sees fit,” she said. When Luster began her college work, she was also working full time plus overtime. “It was definitely a task to balance work, home, kids, and school. I accepted the challenge head on and toughed it out the best is could. I was tired a lot and learned how helpful a 15-minute nap could be.” However, after so many years working in the nursing home, she developed severe back issues. Last August, she had surgery to deal with that and took a medical leave. “Since I've been off from work, you would think things got easier, but they did not. Home life seems to be even more demanding, and sometimes I wonder how did I do this and work full time,” she said. “My children are pretty awesome at giving my me space when they see me at my desk. ”My children let me know regularly that they are proud of me. That alone keeps me going strong. I pray that they see how hard this is and understand how important their education is. I want them to focus on their education instead of rushing to be an adult,” the proud mother said.