Full circle: Jessica Bennett’s return to UHCL sparks a legacy of resilience and leadership
For Jessica Bennett, the journey back to college was not just about career advancement. It was a return to purpose, a step toward healing, and the start of something far bigger than a degree. Now, as she prepares to graduate with a Master of Arts in Digital Media Studies this fall, Jessica reflects on a transformative chapter; one marked by resilience, growth, and a calling to inspire others.
A Program That Fits
Jessica has spent more than a decade working in marketing, so enrolling in the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s (UHCL) Digital Media Studies program was more than an academic pursuit; it was a natural extension of her professional life.
“I work in marketing, and many of the courses I’ve taken directly apply to what I do every day,” Jessica said. “They’ve offered a creative yet strategic approach to media, blending storytelling, design, and technology.”
But what truly stood out for Jessica was the program’s flexibility. As a working professional and single mom, she needed a university that understood the realities of life outside the classroom, and UHCL delivered.
“It felt like the right next step to refine my skills and stay current in a fast-evolving industry,” Jessica said.
Professors Who Change Lives
Jessica’s story is filled with the kind of strong connections and support systems that UHCL fosters, none more meaningful than the relationships she built with her professors.
She credits Dr. Leo Chan for opening the door when she returned to UHCL after a long academic pause. “He gave me a chance when I first came back into the program, and I am very thankful for him,” Jessica said.
She found consistent encouragement from Professor Anne Henry and life-changing mentorship from Dr. Anna Klyueva, who not only guided Jessica’s academic success but also championed her upcoming transition from student to professor.
“Dr. Klyueva is an incredible mentor who has believed in me more than I sometimes believed in myself,” Jessica shared.
And it was Professor Michael Brims’ storytelling class that reshaped how Jessica sees her work. “One of my biggest takeaways was that every strong story needs a hook and a moment of tension because that is what makes people care. That lesson completely changed how I approach marketing,” she said.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
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essica not only studied storytelling, but she also used it to create something deeply personal and widely impactful: “The Fortunate Events Podcast.”
“The name ‘Fortunate Events’ came from the realization that sometimes what feels unfortunate at first can, over time, become something that shapes you for the better,” Jessica said.
Through the podcast, she shares real stories of resilience, faith, and transformation, giving voice to entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday people who have turned trials into turning points.
“It’s about choosing hope, focusing on gratitude, and recognizing the beauty in the process, even when the outcome is uncertain,” said Jessica.
The podcast, which began as her capstone project following Brims' podcast course and under Klyueva's guidance, quickly evolved into a long-term endeavor supported by her industry knowledge and academic training. “UHCL gave me the foundation to merge my marketing experience with new creative and technical skills,” Jessica said.
From Learner to Leader
Jessica’s growth at UHCL has been internal and external. Academically, she has sharpened her expertise in digital media strategy. Professionally, she’s developed a more intentional, purpose-driven approach to leadership.
“My courses changed the way I think about content — not as something to post, but as an opportunity to connect with people,” Jessica said.
Her work now reflects that depth, whether it’s mentoring women in leadership, collaborating with clients, or hosting podcast guests. In fact, she often invites clients onto her podcast, helping them share their stories and build more meaningful connections.
And the accolades are following. Earlier this year, Jessica was named a Galveston County Daily News “40 Under 40” honoree, a recognition that felt like a powerful affirmation.
“I have spent most of my career behind the scenes, helping others share their stories,” Jessica said. “So receiving that recognition felt both humbling and deeply meaningful.”
A Full-Circle Moment
As her December graduation approaches, Jessica is stepping into a new role that brings her story full circle: She will join UHCL’s faculty in January to teach social media.
“This opportunity feels like a full-circle moment for me. Before starting at UHCL to complete my bachelor’s degree, I wanted to become a teacher,” Jessica said. “Now, years later, I get to continue working in marketing while stepping into the classroom to help students develop their own creative voices.”
It’s a transition made possible, once again, by Klyueva’s mentorship. “Her support and mentorship have made a lasting impact. I am grateful for this new chapter and excited to give back to the university that helped shape my journey,” Jessica shared.
A Legacy of Perseverance and Purpose
If there is one thing that drives Jessica, it is her son, Branson, who is now in college himself.
“I had him at 19. He became my motivation to keep going, even when life was hard,” Jessica said. “Now that he is starting his own journey in college, it feels like we have both reached a new chapter.”
Jessica’s faith, too, remains at the heart of everything. “It continues to remind me that there is purpose in everything,” she said.
And her message to students just beginning their own UHCL journey?
“Go for it, even if it feels overwhelming at first. Give yourself permission to be a beginner again and remember that your path does not have to look like anyone else’s,” said Jessica.
More Than a Degree
For Jessica Bennett, UHCL was not just a place to earn a diploma; it was where she rediscovered her voice, reignited her purpose, and found the confidence to lead.
“This program reminded me that it is never too late to start again, never too late to learn something new, and never too late to become who you were meant to be,” Jessica said.
In her story, UHCL not only prepares students but launches them. Not just into jobs, but into lives of meaning, connection, and lasting impact.
For more information about UHCL’s Master of Arts in Digital Media Studies, visit https://www.uhcl.edu/academics/degrees/digital-media-studies-ma.