Battling All Odds, Amy White, Mother of Three, Will Graduate in May
 | Article Courtesy MOC Public Affairs Dept.
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White enrolled at MOC in July of 2006 pursuing a degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. At the beginning of the fall 2007 semester, White was diagnosed with stage 3A breast cancer during a routine exam. It was not her first experience with such devastating news.As a junior in high school White was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. She overcame the disease and graduated with her friends. However, through the years, she dealt with many long-term effects on her health from the various treatments and surgeries. Still, she never let anything keep her from living life. Sometimes, she had to alter her goals or deal with setbacks, but determination pushed her forward.
So, when the news came in the fall of 2007 that she would be battling another life threatening disease, her immediate reaction was doubt that she could endure the treatment and go to school.
“After the shock subsided, I worried about my children, my club and tutoring commitments, and my classes,” she stated.
White began treatments in February of 2008. Not wanting to burden anyone, she told only a select few about her condition. She went to classes daily and then headed to Greenville for chemo. Slowly, the news trickled through the small campus. After her second treatment, White lost all of her hair. It was at that point that she knew she had to tell her three daughters Paige -14, Erika -12 and Emileigh - 4.
“I reassured them that I would fight hard to survive,” she stated.
And fight she did! White maintained her busy schedule taking a full academic load, serving as president of Sigma Tau Delta, being editor in chief for the Trojan Voices literary magazine, acting as Commuter Club vice president and serving on the Student Government Association. At the same time, White participated in her daughters’ activities and school functions. Rather than pulling her down, the busyness of her life seemed to push her forward.“Mount Olive College is the biggest part of how I made it through and continue moving forward,” White remarked. “Everyone at MOC went above and beyond my expectations. I received emails, phone calls and care packages from the clubs I participated in, as well as from professors and students I did not know on a personal level. The one thing that I appreciated most is that the entire campus lifted me up physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. They accepted me regardless of appearance, age or status. Actually, the students genuinely treat me like I am the same age as they are and include me in their lives. The professors continually pushed me to achieve my goals regardless of adversity. They are my family. Outside of MOC, I had little support. MOC and my children are what encouraged me to fight for survival. They gave me a reason to get out of bed every morning and live life to the fullest.”
White is now in remission from the breast cancer, but continues to suffer from the side effects of chemo. A chapter in her life hopefully closed and a new one about to begin as she will graduate from MOC in May. It is her goal to then further her education by obtaining a master’s degree, then PhD in English rhetoric and composition. Ultimately, she would like to teach in a small college setting, similar to Mount Olive College.
“I believe in the importance of education and stress this daily to my daughters,” White remarked. “I give my daughter’s the best advice (by example and voice) they will receive in their life…you can achieve anything and everything you desire regardless of obstacles thrown in you way. Life will knock you down. Get back up and continue fighting for success. Without judgment or prejudice, love and serve everyone to the best of your ability. Always go beyond what is required. Be above average.”
White’s oldest daughter, who is now 17, will heed that advice and her mother’s example. In August, Paige will enroll at Mount Olive College pursuing a degree in forensic science.
“Through the past three years, I’ve watched how the entire campus has surrounded my mom with love and support,” Paige shared. “All the students treat her like a kid. Of course, she acts just like one of them, and that is why they love her so much. She understands them. When I go to MOC, I will live on campus. My mom wants me to have a complete college experience and take advantage of every opportunity offered. I’ve seen first hand the opportunities that the College presents. My mom has had the opportunity to visit places like Boston and Washington D. C. She is involved in different clubs and activities on campus. I have big shoes to fill, but know it is possible.”
