From Military Service to Motherhood, LaTasha Feaster Is Determined to Finish the Mission

Nov. 6, 2026

At 25, LaTasha Feaster made a life-changing decision to join the military, a move that helped her earn her GED and taught her the biggest lesson of all: finish the mission. Since then, she has navigated relocating to a new state, being a single mother and the challenges of returning to school, all while staying focused on creating a better future for herself and her daughter.

Tell us your story that led to where you are now.

I came from a background where I didn’t always feel like I would be as successful as the people around me.

After working in a manufacturing plant for about nine years, I realized I needed a change. At 25, I joined the military, and it changed my life. My sergeants pushed me to go back to school. I only needed one class to finish my GED, and I earned it while I was in the military.

I got married, had my daughter and thought life was headed in the right direction. Then my marriage ended, I left the military, COVID hit, and I moved back to South Carolina. Eventually, I realized I needed another change. I visited Texas, felt like it was the right move and within 30 days, I packed up my life and moved.

I enrolled at Dallas College and got involved with Military-Connected Services. I started volunteering there before I was even enrolled in classes. Today, I’m still pursuing my education, raising my daughter, helping care for my mother and working toward graduation.

It’s not easy, but I want to show my daughter that no matter what comes your way, you can still finish school. Dallas College has opened so many doors for me, and I want people to know they’re not alone and that help is there if you’re willing to ask for it.

What motivates you?

It comes from hearing my mother say, “Be better than I was.”

It also comes from waking up every day and seeing my daughter. I want her to be better than I am, which means she has to see her mom push through no matter what.

What would you tell your younger self?

I would tell myself not to see it as permanent. Back then, all I could see was a future in manufacturing. Today, I would tell myself that it was only a stepping stone. Things can get better, but you have to believe that first.

What has it been like for your daughter to watch you go through college?

That question always makes me emotional. I’ve been a single parent since she was born. Once I left the military, I wanted her to see me every day. I wanted her to know that her mom is strong. She sees me struggle, and I’m honest with her about it. I tell her that adults struggle too, but we keep going. I remember recently finishing a paper that I had been struggling with for weeks. She heard me celebrating downstairs, ran down after bedtime, and said, “Mommy, high five. You did it. You finished the paper.”

Moments like that mean everything to me. It’s hard balancing motherhood and school, but you find a way to make it work.

What are your career goals?

I want to open a third-shift childcare center from my home. That dream comes directly from my own experiences. During my transition out of the military, I struggled to find childcare during nontraditional hours.

There are so many parents who love their children and want to provide for their families, but they’re forced to choose between work and childcare. I want to create a place where parents can leave their children knowing they’re safe, supported, fed and cared for.

That’s my reason why.

What lessons from the military have helped you succeed as a student?

The biggest one is simple: Finish the mission. I approach school the same way. My daughter is depending on me. My future depends on me. The military also taught me discipline, structure, organization and communication. Those lessons continue to help me every day.

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