Homeschooled Student Finds Her Way as Manor College Graduate

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Kaitlin Jefferson (Philadelphia) graduates with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

On a late summer afternoon in the hot August heat, Kaitlin Jefferson had the common realization most college students her age have. Jefferson said goodbye to her family, closed the door and sat in the quiet dorm room for a moment. The realization that she became a full-time college student finally hit her. 

“I wanted to try and branch out and try to live on my own and really find my way,” Jefferson said. “Because I was always homeschooled and with my family, I wanted a taste of regular college life. Manor allowed me to be close to home while helping me to get my own experiences.” 

Jefferson came to Manor College from the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. On May 15, she completes her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. As a first generation college student, she plans to return to Manor in the Fall to earn her Bachelor’s Degree. 

“Manor is special because of the community it has,” Jefferson said. “Now that I’m still in the process of building those connections, it makes being here even more enjoyable.” 

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With her degree, Jefferson intends to pursue a career in human resources. At a young age, Jefferson’s mother, Pamela Butcher, instilled the value of helping others and making an impact. On Sundays, Butcher can be found in the kitchen crafting up meals for the whole neighborhood. 

“She loves to cook, especially on Sundays,” Jefferson said. “Even if it’s only for someone who doesn’t have time to cook, my mom just says, ‘come over’ and she’ll give them five plates to take home with them.” 

Jefferson has been on the receiving end of that kindness, too. This year, she drove back to Manor one evening and hit a branch that fell across the road. Her car was OK, but the branch got pinned and, despite her best efforts, wouldn’t budge. She called her Mom to ask for advice, who said to wait until morning. 

In the middle of the night, Butcher drove to Manor and dislodged the branch. She called Jefferson the next morning and simply said, “The stick is out.” 

“It means the world to me knowing I have that support,” Jefferson said. “It encourages me to do my best, to put everything into everything that I do.” 

That relationship with her mother helped her make a connection with one of her professors at Manor College, Dr. Parisnicole Payton. During one conversation, Payton told Jefferson about Payton’s connection with her own mother and teacher and student hit it off. 

“Our short discussion regarding her mother’s care struck a chord with me, leading me to express some thoughts on my own experiences,” Payton said. “Losing my mother deeply affected my life, highlighting the essential need for preparing for unexpected events.” 

Jefferson said, “Dr. Payton just made it easy to connect with her. As a black woman, it was easy to see myself in her light.” 

Payton added, “I feel privileged to receive such a lovely compliment from Kaitlin. I envision a radiant and hopeful future for her. She has the strength, kindness and intellect to handle whatever challenges life presents to her.”

As she prepares for graduation, Jefferson believes students need to find ways to step out of their comfort zones – something she’ll continue back on campus this Fall. 

“Build those connections, because they can go a long way,” Jefferson said. “Step out of your comfort zone. You don’t know where saying yes to an opportunity will lead you.” 

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