LaShawn Benita Harley-Hill, a 54-year-old blind woman from Bossier City, is defying the odds and inspiring countless others after recently earning her master’s degree in counseling from Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS).
Her remarkable achievement, powered by perseverance and a strong support system, is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Harley-Hill lost her vision in January 2017 and admitted that the emotional toll was immense.
“I cried every day for a month,” she recalled, noting that losing her ability to drive and relying on others made her feel like a burden.
But with encouragement from her husband, Columbus Hill — who reorganized their home to make it more accessible — and support from faculty, librarians, and a mobility instructor, she pushed forward.
“There were times when I wanted to throw in the towel because there’s a lot going on, but I didn’t give up,” Harley-Hill shared.
That determination paid off, culminating in a 3.9 GPA and a new role as a counselor with Pelican Bayou Counseling in Shreveport.
The graduation ceremony was a deeply emotional moment for Hill.
“It was an amazing feeling to know that all of my classmates were looking for me at graduation, and I got big hugs from classmates and LSUS staff,” she said. “I got home that day, took my makeup off and just cried.”
Now, Harley-Hill hopes her story motivates others to never lose hope, no matter the obstacles.
“Just because things happen in life, you don’t have to count yourself out,” she said.
