From substance abuser to college graduate: Lori Anderson completes long journey at HCC

There are many gospel songs that Lori Anderson hums to stay connected to her faith. One song in particular, “I’m Blessed,” includes the lyrics, “I'm blessed. God knows I'm blessed. As I look all around me, I realize, I'm blessed.” The song became her daily reminder to persevere and accomplish her longtime goal of graduating college.

On Friday, May 8, Anderson will walk across the commencement stage to earn her associate degree in multidisciplinary studies from Houston City College (HCC)—more than three decades after she first enrolled.

Like daughter, like mother: LaShonda O’Neal, left, and her mother Lori Anderson are now both HCC grads. The 63-year-old Houston native initially enrolled at HCC in 1988. At the time, she said, she was “a full-blown crack addict.”

“I tried going to class, but I was still actively using crack, so eventually I left and didn’t come back,” she said.

Anderson admits she used the financial aid money to fund her addiction.

“The drugs consumed most of my attention and my emotional state,” she explained. “Nothing else really mattered but the next fix or high.”

After dropping out, her substance abuse caused her life to spiral, fracturing her relationship with her children and eventually leading to Anderson becoming homeless.

“After being drug-free for 17 months, I relapsed and became homeless, living under an underpass under Interstate 610 and Airline Drive,” she said. “Over the next several years, I was in and out of rehabilitation centers, never fully committing to treatment.”

For eight months, she lived among a homeless community of other addicts peddling for money to buy food and drugs. During that time, she battled denial, depression and despair while cycling in and out of treatment. It wasn’t until 2023, after three decades of addiction, that Anderson fully devoted herself to changing her life.

Thirty-six years after first enrolling, she returned to HCC, determined to succeed despite her fears of being a recovering addict over the age of 60.

“It was scary,” she said. “I gave myself reasons why I couldn’t go back to school, but I never looked at why I could. I made the decision to stay because, with education, I could get a job for something I’m passionate about.”

Her fears subsided as she received an outpouring of love and support from classmates and faculty who encouraged her throughout her studies. In an English course, Anderson found her voice, sharing her story with peers and Professor Susan Oslund.

“When we introduced ourselves, I shared that I was a returning student and how life took me down some wrong roads because of drug use,” Anderson said. “I wasn’t ready for the positive reaction from my classmates—especially the younger ones.”

Oslund described Anderson as a self-motivated, enthusiastic learner who was engaged from the start.

“Ms. Anderson’s story is one of those that really stays with you,” Oslund said. “It’s special. She was open about her struggles with addiction, and that honesty created an atmosphere of trust.”

Oslund said that Anderson’s story reinforced her commitment to teaching and supporting students from all backgrounds.

“She demonstrated that determination and courage can transform a person’s path,” Oslund said.” Witnessing that kind of growth is one of the greatest rewards of teaching. Seeing her succeed reaffirmed my belief that every student deserves the chance to pursue their goals, no matter where they start.”

Reaching this milestone in her education journey has also helped Anderson repair her relationship with her daughter LaShonda O’Neal, who graduated from HCC in 2019. After years of pain, distrust and limited communication, O’Neal is proud of her mother.

“I believe that great things and blessings are going to happen for her,” she said. “My mother has many flaws, and don't we all? I admire her tenacity and determination she’s shown over the past three years. I look forward to her earning her bachelor's degree in the future.”

Anderson will continue her education at Texas Southern University (TSU), where she’ll pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. It will be her second time at TSU. She previously attended the university on a track scholarship in 1982.

She says she plans to keep sharing her story to inspire others.

“I know God saved and delivered me for this moment—to walk across the stage with my degree with no guilt or shame,” Anderson said. “I’ve used the resources to get me through that storm in my life with grace and dignity. This is an awesome feeling of redemption and I’m grateful that I got another opportunity.”

And blessed.