101-year-old woman set to graduate from college alongside her granddaughter after dropping out 81 years ago

In a heartwarming tale that transcends generations, Sarah Simpkins, a 101-year-old resident of Virginia, is about to achieve a milestone that defies the boundaries of age and time. Set to graduate from college alongside her granddaughter, Sarah’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of inspiring.

Eighty-one years ago, Sarah made the difficult decision to leave Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, at the age of 20 when she became pregnant with her first child. Despite the challenges life threw her way, including marriage and raising 12 children, Sarah held onto her dream of earning a college degree.

Now, at the age of 101, Sarah has embarked on a new chapter of her life by enrolling in Brightpoint Community College’s early childhood education program. With a remarkable 3.5 grade point average, Sarah’s commitment to her studies shines brightly, illuminating a path of determination and resilience for others to follow.

For Sarah, returning to school was always a lingering thought, a dream she hoped to turn into reality. With the support of her granddaughter, Halimah Shepherd-Crawford, who is also enrolled at Brightpoint Community College, Sarah found the encouragement and assistance she needed to navigate her academic journey.

Halimah, Sarah’s granddaughter, serves as her guiding hand, helping her with assignments and coursework. Together, they form a formidable team, demonstrating the power of familial bonds and the importance of supporting one another’s dreams.

As Sarah and Halimah prepare to receive their diplomas in May, they symbolize the triumph of perseverance and the fulfillment of lifelong aspirations. Sarah’s infectious enthusiasm for learning and her youthful spirit serve as a testament to the adage that age is truly just a number.

Reflecting on her journey, Sarah attributes her longevity to a simple philosophy of staying happy and joyful in the moment. Her positive outlook on life and her unwavering determination to pursue her dreams against all odds serve as an inspiration to all who hear her story.

In a world where barriers often seem insurmountable, Sarah Simpkins reminds us that with perseverance, determination, and the support of loved ones, anything is possible. As she prepares to cross the stage alongside her granddaughter, Sarah leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who have had the privilege of witnessing her remarkable journey.

Barbara Wiggins, 58, and her daughter Tanisha Wiggins, 36, recently celebrated a monumental achievement as they both graduated from Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York. What makes their accomplishment even more remarkable is that they graduated together, side by side, on the same day.

Tanisha had initially left college in 2007 due to feeling unprepared at the time. However, in 2021, both Tanisha and her mother, Barbara, made the decision to embark on their educational journey together. Their perseverance and dedication culminated in both receiving degrees in human services.

The heartwarming moment was captured by ABC’s Good Morning America, showcasing Tanisha and Barbara crossing the stage together, embodying the essence of shared accomplishment and familial support.

For Tanisha, the decision to return to college was driven by personal growth and the desire to set a positive example for her children. Overcoming past challenges, including struggles with depression, Tanisha found renewed determination with the encouragement of her family and the unwavering support of her mother.

Barbara’s journey back to education was equally inspiring. After working as a doula, she decided to pursue her educational aspirations, completing her General Educational Development (GED) diploma and enrolling in college. Despite being a nontraditional student, Barbara embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, proving that age is no barrier to success. Click here to continue reading about the amazing mother and daughter duo.

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