Sowing Seeds of Success
When Andrea Ross walked across the stage at Trident Technical College’s 2025 commencement ceremony, she wasn’t just receiving a diploma—she was honoring a legacy, overcoming adversity and planting seeds for a brighter future.
Ross, a military veteran who served over a decade in the U.S. Army, was selected by her peers as one of two student speakers at this year’s graduation. Her journey to that podium was anything but traditional. A first-generation college graduate, Ross’ story is one of resilience, transformation and purpose.
Ross credits her late grandfather, James Ross, as a foundational influence. A former sharecropper from Emporia, Virginia, he built a life for his family from the ground up without formal education.
“He always centered everything around farming or sowing seed,” Ross shared. “He taught me that we’re supposed to be good people—sharing, connecting, building.”
That philosophy would later guide her own path, from military service to sustainable agriculture. After leaving the military, Ross faced a daunting transition.
“We were trained to be soldiers, but we weren’t trained to become civilians,” she said.
She submitted over 1,700 job applications, battled a service-connected illness that left her temporarily paralyzed and blind, and even experienced homelessness while pursuing her education.
Despite these challenges, Ross enrolled at Trident Technical College, drawn by its flexibility and support for veterans. She earned an Associate in Science and a certificate in Sustainable Agriculture, supported by the TTC Foundation and the Santee Cooper Endowed Scholarship. She was also able to take advantage of TTC Scholars Network, which provided mentorship and encouragement throughout her academic journey.
Ross emphasized how the scholarship was a lifeline during a critical transition.
“It helped me not only take more classes to graduate on time but also get the technology I needed—like a laptop—to keep up with the demands of digital learning,” she said. “People don’t realize how important that is when everything is online now.”
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Ross joined the Army at 17 and eventually settled in Charleston, drawn by its peaceful landscapes and deep family ties to the region. Her grandfather, a gospel quartet singer in the 1960s, often traveled through South Carolina, and Ross spent many summers in Santee.
Ross’ passion for farming blossomed into a mission. She founded Heritage Farms, a veteran- and community-driven agricultural project in Charleston. Her interest in agriculture was sparked during her recovery from illness, when she discovered that natural foods and plant-based healing significantly improved her health and mental well-being.
“I experienced a powerful transformation—not just physically, but mentally. While I’m still on my health journey and continue to manage my condition, I know that healing is deeply connected to the land,” she said.
Her hands-on learning experience at Trident Tech—from lectures to greenhouses—helped her reconnect with her purpose and embrace her identity.
“I learned how to be comfortable with myself. All the quirks and the trials—everything that brought me here is valuable.”
In her powerful commencement address, Ross spoke not only for herself but for every student who overcame obstacles to reach graduation.
“I stand for the father earning a certification to provide for his family. I stand for the mother doing homework while putting her kids to sleep. I stand for the veterans navigating a civilian life that feels unfamiliar.”
She reminded her fellow graduates that success isn’t about perfection, it’s about perseverance.
“Dreams do not die from hardship. They only die when we stop believing.”
Ross will continue her academic journey at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where she plans to pursue a dual master’s degree. She credits Trident’s faculty—especially in the math and science departments—for helping her overcome academic anxiety and discover a love for learning.
“Math became like a crossword puzzle. It’s now the melody of what I’m learning—how to live sustainably and give back to the Earth.”
As she steps into this next chapter, Ross carries with her the lessons of service, sustainability, and self-belief.
“Graduation means legacy. It means opportunity. It also means completion,” she said. “This moment is something I thought I’d never have. And now, I get to share it with others.”
