Milestones in Higher Education: Overcoming Challenges and Reaching Graduation

Embarking on the journey of obtaining a degree is a significant milestone in one's life. Graduating college marks a turning point where one acquires a valuable piece of knowledge and opens the door to new opportunities. In this article, we will explore the diverse paths to graduation and the challenges faced by individuals, as shared by two remarkable stories.

Personal Journey to Graduation

I graduated my Associate of Arts (AA) degree in 1978, followed by a Bachelor of Science (BS) in 2014, and an MBA in 2017. This path was far from conventional – it required perseverance and determination. From working full-time to pursuing online education, this journey showcases the resilience of the modern-day learner. In my case, the challenges did not stop there. In June 2018, I faced an unprecedented situation while receiving my engineering degree. Similar to Schr?dinger's famous experiment, my degree's status became uncertain due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on institutional policies. I was left in limbo for weeks, unsure if my hard work and dedication would result in the coveted graduation ceremony. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience.

Community College and Persistence

Akhilesh's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of family support. At the age of 46, he graduated magna cum laude after a journey that took 28 years. His path was filled with ups and downs, including job changes and pregnancy. Despite all these challenges, he remained determined and successfully completed his Associate's degree in 1999. His experience highlights the importance of doing what is necessary to achieve your goals. His determination to support his family while overcoming multiple obstacles is commendable.

Overcoming Adversity for Education

For Akhilesh, each step of his journey was difficult but filled with purpose. From working full-time to saving enough to attend college for one year, he steadily worked towards his degree. He missed important milestones like farewell events due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite these setbacks, he understood the significance of education and used his journey to inspire his daughters, teaching them the value of pursuing knowledge and perseverance. His accomplishment in obtaining a Bachelor's degree at age 46 is an inspiring example of how dedication and hard work can overcome even the most challenging of obstacles.

Conclusion

The road to obtaining a college degree is rarely linear. Whether it's the uncertainty of the past year or the years of hard work and dedication, these stories remind us of the importance of resilience and the impact of education. From the challenges faced by traditional students to the perseverance of those juggling multiple roles, the journey to graduation is a testament to the power of determination and the commitment to personal growth. Class of 2020 and beyond, may your journeys be filled with the same success and fulfillment.