Deployment, injury couldn’t keep military member from graduation
Arizona Army National Guard member and ASU Online student Aneska Holness completed her master's degree in a global security (cybersecurity) while recovering from injuries from a drone attack.
Raised on the small island of Jamaica, Aneska Holness and her younger brother left to start a new life in the U.S. with their mother, who was driven by the hope of building a better future for her children and determined to give them access to the opportunities she never had.
Their travels led them to Arizona, where Holness ultimately found Arizona State University and the Arizona Army National Guard.
The first-generation college graduate completed her undergraduate degree in anthropology from the School of Human Evolution and Social Change through ASU Online in December 2021. Enjoying the experience, she returned to pursue a graduate degree while enlisted and working full time.
“I originally transferred to ASU Online because it provided excellent support and benefits to military students. I liked the culture, program and flexibility to fit my daily schedule,” she said. “After completing my bachelor's, I pursued my master's degree because of my interest in international law and military strategies.”
In fall 2023, shortly after starting her graduate program, Holness learned her unit would be deployed. She made the tough decision to temporarily set her studies aside and focus on her duties overseas.
The new year signaled a new start, but once again, just as Holness found her balance with coursework and military duties overseas, everything changed.
A drone attack hit her base, claiming three lives and leaving many wounded, including Holness. Her injuries required immediate air evacuation for urgent medical care.
Her journey since that moment has been a testament to resilience.
After a four-month wait for a donor match for bone tissue and two surgeries, Holness is now nine months into recovery at the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Texas.
“I have spent the entire fall semester recovering and learning to walk again,” she said. “I am expected to be in physical therapy for my right hip for another three to four months, after which I will be completing another two surgeries on my left hip in early 2025.”
Through all of this, her commitment to her goals remained unshaken, and this fall she graduates with a global security (cybersecurity) master's degree from the School of Politics and Global Studies.
For Holness, this achievement represents more than just academic success — it opens doors to a world of job opportunities. But more importantly, she sees it as a step toward fulfilling a personal mission.
"I’ll be able to better care for my family, especially my mom, as she gets older,” she said.
Balancing her aspirations with her commitment to family, she envisions a future where her skills secure a rewarding career and support for the ones she loves most. Each day, she is closer to the life she has fought so hard to build, a life marked by sacrifice, courage and an unwavering determination to overcome every obstacle in her path.
“My military service and earning my degree is a significant source of accomplishment,” Holness said. “I feel even a greater sense of pride knowing that all my mom's efforts and sacrifices were not in vain. Her love and support have always been my greatest source of motivation, and I'm thrilled every time I share my accomplishments with her.”
We spoke to her about her time at ASU Online and her perspective as a military-affiliated student.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: My “aha” moment came from my time in the military. My interest grew even more when I reviewed the courses offered in the program and observed the enthusiasm and passion of all the faculty members who teach within the program.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU Online — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: Something that surprised me is how large a role cybersecurity plays in our society and how much misunderstanding surrounds the topic by the general public, especially as it relates to military strategies and technology and overall political relations. I was very intrigued by the topic, and the classes were by far some of my favorites, which led me to change to the cybersecurity concentration for my program.
Q: Why did you choose ASU Online?
A: I chose ASU Online because of what the program had to offer. We are offered many opportunities to explore innovative ideas and research, network and build upon our existing skills.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU Online?
A: Professor Scott Whittaker had a significant impact on me. I was taking his class when I got injured overseas. He made the process of getting additional time to complete the course very smooth. He was very patient and helpful in addressing my concerns. Professor Alicia Ellis also reached out and gave me a list of resources that were very helpful during that time of my life. They both helped me be more receptive to receiving help when needed. I usually try to do everything on my own, even when things get challenging, and it was the same in this case. I learned the lesson of asking for help when needed, and it was good to know I had that support.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: There will be times when life gets complicated or even arduous. It may be overwhelming and feel a lot easier to quit. But don’t give up. Take a break if you need to. Reset, refocus and keep pushing.
Q: What was your favorite spot for power studying?
A: My favorite spot to study is somewhere extremely quiet and peaceful. Libraries are usually my go-to or a calm space at home.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to continue with my recovery and my remaining surgeries. Once completed, I plan to separate from the military and pursue law school.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would use it to address issues like homelessness and world hunger. While $40 million would not solve the problem completely, it would provide resources to begin tackling it.
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