confronting and overcoming illness — with Vanessa Jones

At 19, Vanessa Jones was diagnosed with lymphoma. After two years of radiation and chemotherapy, Vanessa returned to school and shortly after was officially declared to be in remission. She graduated in 2018 with a degree in Public Health, of which was inspired by a newfound desire to learn more about health in light of her experience with cancer. She is now an Administrative Assistant at Stevens Early Learning Center in the DC Public school system (DCPS). In her current position at DCPS, she is still applying her Public Health studies in gauging and catering to the needs of students and their families within the community. In addition to her administrative duties, Vanessa serves as the Administrator of Medication (ALM) for the school’s health center, and as the Homeless Student Liaison identifying students in need and providing them with backpacks, Metro passes, and additional resources.