A 79-year-old woman named Angeline Day who enrolled in the university after he retired has graduated from Troy University, United States with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Angeline earned her bachelor’s degree with four years of hard work after she retired from her job at JCPenney. Though she is retired, she did not allow it to get in her way of achieving her lifelong dream.
“I never thought I would see this day, and it is wonderful for me. It was always something that I wanted to do. However, I made different decisions that took me elsewhere in the world. I’ve done everything in life but do me,” she said.
While a student, she completed all her coursework as an online student despite having little computer experience until after she enrolled at the university. “I was very intimidated. I didn’t have a life at all. I was tunnel-focused on it. That was all I did,” Angeline said.
Join any of these WhatsApp Groups to receive more good news on WhatsApp
”I would forget to eat, forget to cook because that was all I did. I would go back to the computer until pure exhaustion put me to bed, and then I would get up, do a little something, and get back on it. Three and a half years, here I am,” she added.
Angeline mentioned that there were times when she struggled and she thought of giving up on the dream but she was encouraged by her professor. “After I read my assignments and saw what I needed to do on the computer, I went ‘Oh Lord, I cannot do this,” Angeline admitted.
”I promptly emailed my professor and told them I was just going to leave it. I was contacted by my psychology professor, and I just decided to get up, get a little strength in my backbone and just go for it,” she said. “There is no such thing as quitting,” she added.
Angeline said earning the bachelor’s degree has given her a sense of pride and fulfillment. She stated that after high school, she enrolled at Alabama State University but had to drop out due to financial challenges.
“I have gained self-fulfillment because this is something that I’ve always wanted. I feel more complete. I was not whole because I always wanted a thing that was not obtainable to me. It feels wonderful to finally be able to do something for me that I love,” she said.
Angeline said she chose the psychology degree field because of her interest in people and how they think and behave.
“I’m interested in people, what they think, why they think, how they behave, why they behave the way they do. The different personalities were always very amazing to me, and I just wanted to know more about the intricate workings of people,” she said.
Angeline’s son Thomas said he knew this was a “bucket-list item” for his mother, and he already sees the impact this accomplishment has made on her. With the help of her son, Angeline was able to fulfill her dream of earning a degree.
“I’m just looking at my mom and seeing the change in her over the past three to four years from when she started,” Thomas said.
”Looking at her now, she is just so sharp. It is just so amazing. I always knew she had it in her. We were the pushers. My brother and I helped get her back into school. When it gets hard, we motivate each other, and iron sharpens iron. It has been great to witness,” she added.
Angeline said she hopes her story inspires others who feel their time has passed or who struggle to see a bright future.“Never give up on your dream. I don’t care what’s going on in your world – if you can’t do it now, do it later. Do it now because it will be well worth it. It is very, very fulfilling,” she said.
“I feel better about myself. I’m fulfilled. I’ve accomplished more, and it is really a great feeling. I have learned more and the one thing about knowledge, it does build upon itself. That can be very, very exciting, especially for those who are my age who thought they had already lived their best lives. There is so much more ahead,” she added.
Receive Scholarship Updates through our Social Media Channels:
- WhatsApp: Scholarship Region WhatsApp
- Facebook: Scholars Region
- Twitter: @scholarsregion
- Telegram: Scholarship Region