In celebration of her daughter earning her doctorate, a New Jersey mother has bought a billboard for the city to see.

Kendra Busbee expressed that her daughter, Kristine Smalls, receiving her doctorate is a full circle moment.

“At the age of five years old, she knew that she wanted to be a doctor,” Busbee said.

Smalls received her doctorate in psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine on July 29.

Busbee said that moment took place in the parking lot of The Pub in Pennsauken. Smalls initially believed her mother was surprising her with a Covid party.

“She thought I was surprising her with a Covid party in the parking lot,” said Busbee.

Busbee said her daughter’s face and accomplishments were now visible to everyone traveling along Route 130, south of the Airport Circle. The billboard stands 14 feet high and 48 feet across.

 

“From what I hear, it’s about 15,000 cars that drive by here Monday-Friday,” said Busbee. “We once heard that nothing good comes out of the city of Camden. And we just wanted to let them know this is something good that comes out of the city of Camden.”

It cost her $1,250 to rent the billboard, but its effect is priceless to her.

Mayor Victor Carstarphen of Camden, New Jersey, said many positive things are going on in the city, including the billboard.

“So many positive things going on in our city,” Mayor Carstarphen said. “And this is another big positive.”

 

Dr. Smalls already has a job in Springfield, Pennsylvania, but her goal is to give back to her hometown.

“My ultimate goal in life is to come back to Camden and create a resource center,” Smalls said.

Blavity-UBlavity-U-NewsKristine Smalls