New York Mother-daughter duo graduate college together

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.

Their shared experience of attending college provided moments of laughter and camaraderie. Barbara fondly recalls a humorous interaction with a classmate, highlighting the diverse perspectives and connections fostered in the academic environment.

Throughout their educational journey, both mother and daughter found strength in their bond and the encouragement of their teachers and peers. Their graduation marks not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of education.

As they reflect on their achievements, Barbara and Tanisha express gratitude for the support systems that enabled their success. They hope their story will inspire others, especially older prospective students, to pursue their educational goals with determination and confidence.

Their message is clear: don’t let age or past setbacks deter you from pursuing your dreams. With dedication, resilience, and a supportive community, anything is possible. Barbara and Tanisha’s inspiring journey serves as a reminder that education knows no bounds and that the pursuit of knowledge is a journey worth embarking on, no matter where life may lead.

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. Continue reading more about Sarah here.

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