Hermanville native Dalwanna Anderson might be classified as a freshman, but this isn’t her first-time attending Hinds.
“I came back in 1996 and I didn’t complete the program in Business & Office Technology. In 2019 I decided to come back, and I took up a trade in welding,” Anderson said.
She graduated with a welding credential in May 2020, but Anderson decided she wasn’t done yet. She’s back on the Utica Campus returning to her original plan, Business & Office Technology, this time with a business of her own.
In December 2014, Anderson started a food truck business called CJ’S Snacks & Grill, which serves up a variety of tasty items including burgers and sandwiches, wings, fish and salad until the pandemic forced its closure. She began the business to share her passion for cooking with others and teach her children a valuable lesson.
“I love to cook, and I wanted to show my kids how to make money at an early age. When I first started, I was the one cooking and I had my daughters fixing plates and taking the orders,” Anderson said.
While she did not complete her first enrollment at Hinds, Anderson said the knowledge she learned back then has helped now.
“Back in 1996, I took business math and that’s how I learned how to do my own taxes,” she said. “As far as accounting, I’m getting the hang of it. It also relates to my business as well. I have been doing my own finances since I started my business, but I preferred to come back to get my degree because it will help me in the long run.”
Anderson also received her ServSafe sanitation certificate from Hinds.
COVID-19 has had an impact on small businesses such as Anderson’s food truck. She recommends Hinds highly to any small business owner wanting to sharpen their skills.
“You will be amazed at the good programs that they offer,” she said. “They also have one-on-one training to help ensure that you are getting all that you need for your business.”