Walters State Student Andrea ‘Ziggy’ Wallin Proves It’s Never Too Late to Start
November 10, 2026
For Andrea “Ziggy” Wallin, going to college was always a dream. It just wasn’t always the priority.
Wallin married at 19 and helped raise a family. She built a career, working for the Sevier County School System for the past 15 years, and eventually became a mother of three and grandmother of three.
College remained something she hoped to do someday. That someday arrived in her 30s.
“When my older two had married and moved out of the house, it left my youngest daughter, who was entering high school,” Wallin said. “I felt it was time to achieve my dream and finish college at the same time she would finish high school.”
Follow your dreams and take it one semester at a time. I want to spread the word to other adult learners that if I can do it, anyone can.
Andrea “Ziggy” Wallin
Finding Her Place at Walters State
Wallin came to Walters State as a first-generation college student and adult learner. She attends most of her classes at the Newport Center and receives Tennessee Reconnect, which covers tuition for eligible adult students.
Her time at Walters State has become about much more than earning a degree.
Wallin decided to run for the Student Government Association and was elected. Through SGA events, she met people throughout the college and began discovering opportunities she never realized were available to adult students.
“Being a first-gen student, I had no idea that I could be involved as an adult learner,” she said. “I feel at home and welcome on three campuses. I feel like a leader, and I truly want to inspire others to do well and step out of their comfort zone.”
Wallin is also serving as a peer mentor for two classes this semester.
Taking It One Semester at a Time
Finding time for college can still require some careful juggling.
In addition to her full-time work with Sevier County Schools, Wallin has worked part time at Bass Pro Shops for seven years. Outside of work and college, she serves as a Beta Club sponsor, is involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution, serves on the board of the Kodak Library and helps coach cross country at Northview Senior Academy.
Her family, she said, keeps her motivated.
Being the first in her family to attend college is a source of pride, but Wallin also hopes her experience encourages other people who may have postponed college because life got in the way.
Her advice to other adults is simple.
“You only live once,” Wallin said. “Follow your dreams and take it one semester at a time. I want to spread the word to other adult learners that if I can do it, anyone can.”
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