Newark Mother-Daughter Duo Defy the Odds, Graduate from Berkeley College Together
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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NEWARK MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO DEFY THE ODDS,
GRADUATE FROM BERKELEY COLLEGE TOGETHER
“Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t.”
Photo Caption (L to R): Janhã Banks and her mother, Jatina Wells, both of Newark, NJ, will graduate from Berkeley College with their Associate in Applied Science degrees in Health Sciences as Patient Care Technicians at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on May 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. The milestone marks not only an academic achievement, but a shared journey shaped by perseverance and purpose.
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Janhã Banks and her mother, Jatina Wells, both of Newark, NJ, will graduate from Berkeley College with their Associate in Applied Science degrees in Health Sciences as Patient Care Technicians at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on May 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. The milestone marks not only an academic achievement, but a shared journey shaped by perseverance and purpose.
Learn More: Click here to see the speakers and honorees for the 2026 Berkeley College Commencement ceremony.
Wells began her studies one semester before Banks and encouraged her daughter to return to school to pursue higher education. Having grown up in foster care and abusive homes, Wells faced significant challenges, including PTSD. Determined to break the cycle, Wells committed to building a better future for herself and her family.
“If someone, especially foster youth, can learn from my story and my experiences and realize that they too can do whatever they put their minds to, then I know I’ve made a difference,” Wells said.
Banks enrolled as a new mother, inspired by Wells and her own desire to set an example for her young son. Now 2 years old, her son has become a driving force behind her ambition. “I want to show him that he can do anything, and I want to be able to give him everything,” Banks said.
Balancing coursework, parenting, and daily responsibilities, the pair supported each other every step of the way – as classmates, study partners, and sources of encouragement. “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t,” they said.
Wells works at a local YMCA and would like to use her degree to further her prior career in mental health support. She spent years working with the police assisting with crisis intervention. Banks’ long-term goal is to become a registered nurse.
Banks’ and Wells’ journeys are far from over. Both women will continue their education at Berkeley College and are on track to graduate side-by-side again in 2027 with Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Health Services Management.
“Berkeley College is a place where you know people care about you,” Banks said.
Media Coverage: To request an interview with Janhã Banks or Jatina Wells or to attend the Berkeley College Commencement ceremony on May 13, contact the Berkeley College Communications team at News@BerkeleyCollege.edu.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 13 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
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