Beating the Odds: Reese Lewis, An Outstanding Outlier
If you were to glance at a graph charting college success among pregnant women, most of the data points would likely cluster tightly on one side. But off in the distance, standing alone, you would find a single dot—an outlier. That outlier would be Reese Lewis.
Reese graduated four years ago from Bolivar Central High School in 2021. She went on to pursue a degree in education from the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus. In 2025, Reese graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and a minor in political science. Not only did Reese earn her bachelor’s degree with the highest honor of Summa Cum Laude, but she did it as a first-generation college student and new mother!
Reese’s educational journey required hard work and dedication. She attended night classes and attempted to finish all of her assignments at school so she could spend her time at home with her family. There were several times Reese would even bring her daughter with her to the library, events, and even class.
“Being a mom will always come first for me,” said Reese.
While in college, there were several times Reese felt frustrated, stressed, and tired, but she knew giving up was never an option. Reese said that even though her daughter was too young to understand at the time, she wanted to be an inspiration to her once she grew up.
“I never wanted my daughter to think that she was ever the reason I did not accomplish any of my goals. I would rather have her by my side and we can accomplish them together,” said Reese. “I wanted my daughter to see that she could accomplish anything no matter what obstacles she may face.”
A strong support system is what helped Reese balance school, work, and family. Specifically, her husband, Rokevis Lewis.
“My husband has always put everything that I have ever wanted, first. He took off the first six weeks of our daughter’s life, so that I could finish my last year of teaching,” said Reese who returned to school two weeks rather than six weeks after having her daughter. “He worked many long days and hours of overtime, so that I did not have to work and go to school. He has always encouraged me to do whatever I dream of.”
Reese and her husband, Rokevis, were high school sweethearts and have been together for seven years. She said marriage has been a great reward.
“It is so rewarding to know that we are no longer kids trying to plan the next time that we will pass in the hallway of the school. Instead, we have built a life with our own family that used to things we would only ever dream about. I know that there are great things in the future for us.”
In addition to her husband, Reese is grateful for the other people in her life that made up her support system while in college. There was her sister-in-law, who kept her daughter every day, so Reese could complete her student teaching. Her college friends, who held her accountable for submitting her assignments. And also, Toone Elementary School, which helped her change her student teaching position from Jackson to Toone in order to be closer to her daughter.
“I had the best mentor teacher, Candy Sowder, who always allowed me to put my daughter first and not worry about anything,” said Reese.
In spite of all she has already achieved, Reese believes her greatest accomplishment is her daughter.
“Through everything else that I accomplished, I created and am raising a sweet and kind little girl,” said Reese,
Reese encourages young moms to pursue education despite the feeling of impossibility. Colleges currently offer several ways to do so, whether through online classes or taking less credit hours than a full-time student. Reese says she especially appreciated the quaintness of the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus.
“Everyone is there to help you and support you. With it being a smaller campus, there are many one-on-one opportunities,” said Resse.
She said it is important to explain your situation to your professors because they want you to succeed. Several of her professors altered assignments, due dates, and class times to meet her needs.
“Nothing is impossible and my biggest word of advice is to trust God.” Said Reese,
Currently, Reese teaches fifth grade science at Bolivar Elementary School. She plans to take a semester off from school and then begin working towards a master’s degree in Instructional and Curriculum Leadership through the University of Memphis in January 2026.
She said not being another statistic has been the most rewarding part of combining motherhood, finishing school, and marriage.
“I graduated college with the highest honor,” said Reese. “I became a first-generation college graduate, did it pregnant, then did it with a child, and I got married all before the age of 22. I beat the odds!”
One day, Reese’s daughter will get to read this article and understand the outstanding story of the outlier, that is her mother: Reese Lewis.
Author Hannah Thompson
As the assistant director of the Bolivar‑Hardeman County Library, Hannah has the privilege of sharing her love of stories with the Hardeman County community every day. She is excited to do the same as a member of the Hatchie Press team. When she is not working, you’ll likely find Hannah reading in the company of her sweet feline children, Galinda and Galileo.
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