For Beverly Franklin, May 15 is more than just a graduation date. It’s a victory lap. When she hits the stage at the Hampton Coliseum to receive her degree from Virginia Peninsula Community College, not only will she get a diploma, but she’ll also celebrate a promise fulfilled.
As if things couldn’t get any more jubilant, Franklin discovered she’s graduating summa cum laude. It’s a welcome surprise that makes the celebration even more meaningful.
“It was Friday, May 9 when I got the email,” she said, beaming with pride, and noting it didn’t come easy.
She’s gone full throttle from the moment at VPCC in fall 2021. Choosing the Human Services program because it fit her real-world experience, Franklin balanced full-time work as a peer recovery specialist, completing required certifications and working weekends. She was laser-focused in her evening classes, taken mostly online with a few at the College’s Southeast Higher Education Center in Newport News.
“I didn’t take vacation. I didn’t take time off,” she said. “It was like work, go home, study, work, go home, homework … that’s all I did. It was all about school.”
“It was hard … 2021, 2022. I worked two jobs. So, I was working 40 hours during the week, and I was working 13 on weekends and I was in school. It was long, long, long nights,” she said of the hectic schedule, which included working 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday, and squeezing in valuable computer time from 5-11 p.m. at home most Sundays.
She admits her path wasn’t planned. After relocating to Hampton Roads in 2009 to be near her daughter, an expectant mom serving in the Navy at the time, she started community health work by chance.
“(Being in) care services was not what I intended for the rest of my life. It just happened to go that way,” Franklin explained. “I moved here from Georgia and was linked to the community health worker through the peer educator program I went into. And the job was available. I started out working with people who were newly diagnosed with HIV. I did that until 2023.”
With a professional background that includes a stint at Eastern Virginia Medical School, she said her job titles have changed over the years—from community health worker to patient navigator and back again — but her mission in the human services arena remains the same. It’s helping people which in turn benefits the community. She has advice for those considering human services.
“Just be open and know that what you’re doing will help your community. That’s regardless of what service you go into under human services – social worker case management, substance use, mental health. Always be open to help people get to where they want to go. There’s always a role for you to help somebody within the community,” she offered.
Today, Franklin is part of the new Harm Reduction Program at the Hampton-Peninsula Health District, which opened in late April.
“We’re brand new which is exciting. In my role, I work with those who have a substance use disorder, and we link them to services such as drug counseling or rehab. We also do a needle syringe exchange. We exchange dirty needles for clean needles,” she explained.
Franklin chose substance use support for deeply personal reasons.
“I lost my dad and my ex-husband to substance use. So, it’s a big part of me now. I really would like to dive in and help … I want to help the people who need it the most,” she said.
Franklin’s father also inspired her to finish college.
“I promised my dad before he died, that I would go back and get my degree. He didn’t care what degree. He just wanted me to go back to school and get some college. He said I would need it eventually,” she said, pointing out being a mom of twins (a son and daughter) had occupied her time earlier but now in their 30s, the twins along with her mother are her biggest supporters.
Although overjoyed and relieved to finish her VPCC studies, she acknowledges there were sacrifices. Franklin missed her grandmother’s funeral during finals week
“It was hard. I love my grandmother with all my heart,” she said. “But I had to finish. So, I made that conscious decision. I know I can go visit her (grave) whenever I want. She’s with my daddy now.”
A non-traditional student, meaning she isn’t in the 18- to 25-year-old demographic, Franklin never saw herself as a role model. However, she realizes now her effort might have sent a message.
“I didn’t look at myself as someone to be followed or admired. But, if I could do it and they’re younger than me, I think they can do it … Working a full-time job, plus going to school and making it all work out …Yeah,” she mused.
Franklin has high praise for VPCC and appreciates the faculty in her program of study. She said Human Service Program Chair Keisha Samuels, Marian Clifton and Beverly Bullock were anchors.
“They were always there to help and if I needed a little extra push or a little extra time, they were always willing to do that,” she said.
In addition to an A.A.S degree in Human Services, Franklin earned a substance abuse counselor assistant Career Studies Certificate. She’s also a proud member of VPCC’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
As for what’s next, she’s open. With her associate degree and hard-earned honors, Franklin wants to delve more deeply into roles that help those suffering from substance use disorder. She also intends to continue learning and shoring up her certifications.
“I’m already starting part of the new career program with the peer support specialist since most of my courses steered me toward that area,” she said. “I do a lot of (professional development). I just re-certified my community health worker and now I’m going to get my board certification in peer recovery specialist.”