46-Year-Old Mom of 5 Graduates College Nearly 30 Years After Starting Her Degree

In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and determination, Tyra Muhammad, a 46-year-old mother of five, recently graduated from college nearly three decades after first beginning her undergraduate studies. Her inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.

Muhammad, who earned her degree from Grambling State University last month, shared the unique experience of attending college simultaneously with three of her five children. Reflecting on her time at Grambling, Muhammad expressed how her initial doubts about being “too old” to return to school were quickly dispelled by the encouragement and support of her children. “People at times would think we were all siblings [on campus] together,” Muhammad shared with a smile, during an interview with Good Morning America. “I appreciated that.”

Muhammad’s academic journey began in 1994 when she first entered Grambling State University as an English major. It was during her freshman year that she met her future husband, and by the year’s end, the two were married. Shortly thereafter, the couple started their family, leading Muhammad to put her education on hold. The challenges of pregnancy and the demands of motherhood made it difficult for her to continue her studies.

Despite her passion for education, Muhammad’s focus shifted primarily to her family. She took on the role of a certified nursing assistant, making several attempts over the years to return to college. However, she found that her responsibilities as a mother often took precedence. “I kind of put myself on the back burner, which is generally what most mothers and women do,” she acknowledged.

By 2018, with her youngest child entering teenage years and following her divorce, Muhammad felt the time was right to return to school. Re-enrolling at Grambling State, she found herself sharing the campus with three of her children, an experience that was both supportive and deeply meaningful. Before making her decision, she sought the opinions of her children, asking if it would be awkward for them to have her on campus. Their unanimous support and enthusiasm made her decision easier. “I always wanted my degree and also wanted to be an example to my children in terms of the importance of education,” Muhammad explained.

Muhammad’s children, now aged 15, 19, 22, 23, and 26, embraced their mother’s decision to return to school. The family often garnered positive attention for their frequent appearances together on campus, even attending classes and study sessions as a unit. “It was a fun time,” Muhammad reflected. “I really, really enjoyed my time in school with my children.”

Her son Elijah, a 22-year-old business management and marketing major, shared similar sentiments. “It was fun for me,” he said. “Every parent is curious as to what their child is doing on campus, and she got to see what I was doing and what I was involved with.”

The Muhammad family’s presence at Grambling State will continue to be felt, as four of them plan to return to campus in pursuit of further education. Tyra Muhammad, alongside her daughter, will be pursuing graduate degrees, while Elijah will continue his studies in marketing, and another sibling remains an undergraduate student.

Reflecting on the family’s shared academic journey, Muhammad expressed a deep sense of fulfillment. “It’s a blessing because it makes me feel like, okay, I did something right,” she said, noting the importance she has always placed on education. “To see them strive and do well and to want to go back and continue on is an amazing feeling.”

Muhammad hopes that her story serves as an inspiration to others, particularly those who may feel that their dreams are out of reach due to time constraints or life’s challenges. “Perseverance is so important,” she advised. “Even if it’s not going back to school, if you have a goal to attain, just do it.”

Tyra Muhammad’s journey from a young college freshman to a proud graduate, nearly 30 years later, is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams. Her story highlights the enduring value of education, the importance of family support, and the relentless spirit that drives individuals to achieve their goals against all odds.

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