Great Grads: Jayla DeBoles and Jocelyn Sinclair 

Like Daughter, Like Mother – DeBoles Flips the Script, Encourages Mother to Pursue Degree

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The saying “like mother, like daughter,” places emphasis on the fact that young women tend to follow in the footsteps of their mothers.

But for Jayla DeBoles and Jocelyn Sinclair, the opposite was true. Once Sinclair learned about the fantastic education and experiential opportunities her daughter Jayla was receiving at Johnson C. Smith University, she followed in her footsteps to earn her own four-year degree at JCSU.

Now, the two will cross the stage on May 21 to receive their degrees on the same day.

“Sharing this moment with my mom feels unreal,” said DeBoles, who will graduate with a Communication Arts degree with a focus in Public Relations. “Being able to have these moments where she’s not just my mom or hero, but my classmate means the world to me. I love the fact that she does not give up, but continues to persevere and gives me a notable example of what it means to chase your dreams.”

Sinclair, who will graduate with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, served in the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor for several years. After completing her service period, she decided to go back to school, but life had other ideas. More than 25 years later, she decided to start again, first earning an associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte.

After DeBoles finished her first semester, she convinced her mother to pursue a bachelor’s degree at JCSU.

“My two daughters Jayla and Jania are my motivation,” she said. “I wanted to show them that it is never too late and you should be persistent no matter what comes your way.”

Sinclair was a stay-at-home mom for years before pursing her degree. She wasn’t sure what the next chapter of life would hold for her, but was certain she wanted to earn more credentials to be competitive in the job market.

During her time at JCSU, she has served as a Young Life Emerge Leader, student ambassador for Metropolitan College, and Diplomate Learning Center Board Member and President. Before returning to school, she and her husband Antonio started a logistics company, Diplomat Transportation System, LLC.

“It was a challenge to go back to school with a family and a business,” she said. “Thanks to the great community and being welcomed on campus, my journey has been easier. One way I have been able to overcome this challenge of going back to school later in life is setting realistic goals and expectations. It helps to have a family that supports and encourages me.”

Sinclair is more than thrilled to be graduating alongside her daughter and, of all of her accomplishments, she counts being a mother to DeBoles and her youngest child Jania as her proudest one yet.

“My highlight during my time at JCSU was seeing my daughter being invited to the White House, and I was allowed to accompany her,” she said. “It was an experience I will never forget.”

DeBoles’ stellar classroom performance landed her the opportunity of a lifetime – the chance to meet and interview Vice President Kamala Harris during an HBCU Press Briefing in February 2023. But the achievements DeBoles has made at JCSU are almost innumerable.

She has served as the vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society, president of the Transfer Student Association and chaplain for the Pre-Alumni Council. She has also been a member of Chi Alpha Epsilon, the JCSU NAACP chapter, the National Council of Negro Women and the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

She has served as a Young Life Leader and JDRF Advocate. But her journey didn’t start at JCSU. She first obtained an associate degree and transferred to JCSU to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“After my first tour at JCSU, I knew immediately that this was the place that was going to help me elevate to the next level,” she said. “I can honestly say that I did not choose JCSU, it chose me.”

DeBoles said JCSU taught her about her own talents and skills and how she and others can harness the power of possibility to positively impact the world.

“I have learned that you should not limit yourself to what you think is possible, but to the possibilities that were destined for you,” she said. “I have learned to be the change I want to see in the world. Advocate for yourself and do not be afraid to be a pioneer for what you want to see changed.”

Both DeBoles and Sinclair say they are grateful to their family, especially 9-year-old Jania. They are aware that she is watching them as they grow, and that they have a responsibility to be a positive role model for her and other future Golden Bulls.

Sinclair suggests non-traditional students like her take the time to get to know their professors and classmates, while DeBoles encourages JCSU students to never give up on their dreams. Both women agree that with God, all things are possible.

Sinclair will use the skills she’s learned at JCSU to help her husband run the family business. DeBoles hopes to give back to JCSU by working in the Office of Admissions while pursuing her graduate degree in Communication.