Army Veteran Graduates With 3.96 GPA After Beating Cancer

After 20 years serving her country and battling breast cancer, Patrina Ross is walking across the graduation stage at Virginia State University with a 3.96 GPA.

Ross spent two decades as an Army chef, completing three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. On her first deployment, she huddled in a bunker while bombs whistled overhead, wondering if she'd survive the night. During her final tour, her base faced attacks daily.

The constant danger left her with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, but Ross continued serving as an Army instructor. Then in 2017, doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and continues treatment today with daily chemotherapy pills.

Ross retired with an honorable discharge in 2019 and taught ROTC at a Virginia high school. That's when a friend told her about VSU's renowned Hospitality Management program, and she decided it was time to finish her degree.

Her first semester brought unimaginable grief when both of her nieces passed away. Overwhelmed by loss, PTSD symptoms, and full-time coursework, Ross nearly quit. Instead, she reached out to the Student Accessibility Office for support.

"Losing my nieces was devastating," Ross said. "I had a lot of emotions at the time, and it was a lot to deal with being back in school."

The accessibility staff helped her process her grief while staying on track academically. She also received support from VSU's Academic Center for Excellence. Ross made earning her degree a promise to honor her nieces' memory.

Why This Inspires

Ross carries many titles: veteran, cancer survivor, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. On May 16, she adds Virginia State University graduate to that list while standing among 850 classmates at the commencement ceremony.

Her near-perfect GPA reflects more than academic ability. It shows what's possible when determination meets the right support system. Ross faced obstacles that would have stopped most people, yet she persisted.

"I want people to understand that no matter all the obstacles that come your way or how bad things seem, never give up," Ross said.

Her message is landing at exactly the right time for anyone questioning whether they can overcome their own challenges.