Graduation is NOT Restricted

Over the last month, thousands, if not millions, of students have entered their well-deserved summer break. Whether it was a kindergartener's first time feeling the relief after learning the ABCs, or a college graduate's first time having the freedom to explore outside of school, all ages experience a great transition during this time. Specifically, individuals who graduated this year are about to enter an entirely new phase of their lives; however, unlike the normal progression of graduating with age, some individuals have decided to take their education into their own hands. That is why this article shall showcase some of the most wonderful stories of graduates over the last few years, young and old, to break down societal norms around school and graduation.

George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, recently saw 72-year-old Irma Garcia cross its graduation stage. Almost fifty years prior, Garcia first immigrated to the United States of America. She was a single mom of three younger daughters, meaning she juggled multiple jobs when she first arrived. Driven to be equipped with some form of education to continue working harder, Garcia got her general studies degree from a local community college shortly after her move. Back then, she still wanted to pursue higher education; however, her duties as a mother and eventually a grandmother were the priority.

That necessity to provide shifted about five years ago, when her children and grandchildren started to convince her to pursue her dreams of a higher college education. Hesitant at first, but quickly convinced, Garcia applied for George Mason’s senior citizen waiver program. After being accepted, she began her four-year journey to receiving her bachelor's degree in Public Administration with a minor in Spanish. For her, this milestone meant the world, and while she is taking a brief break to enjoy time with her children, her new part-time job, thanks to her degree, is right around the corner.

On the other end of the age spectrum, 14-year-old Elin Facey recently graduated from high school in Jacksonville, Florida. Her age, which is normal for a freshman entering high school, has yet to define her success and story. After struggling through school year after year, Facey’s mother decided that a new course of action was needed. That is when 6th-grade Facey started her homeschool journey. It was challenging; believing she could complete schoolwork was difficult for her. As time went on, though, Facey became more comfortable and faster with her material. Eventually, she was staying up late, pushing her mind, because the thrill had become so intense.

Through these homeschool efforts, not only was she able to skip five grade levels in two years, but she also accomplished other academic achievements, including the ACT. Week after week, she kept her routine consistent, while also balancing the fun parts of life with family and friends. Eventually, after persevering through the difficult work, she set her mind on a new goal: college. Today, she has received over 90 acceptance letters and will enter Faulkner University in the fall, all of which is due to her resilient and risk-taking mindset.

At the end of the day, graduation marks a formative moment in life. It makes individuals realize that their hard work does have a purpose and a direction. What this article highlighted, though, is the importance of staying open. Not everyone gets the opportunity to finish high school, college, or graduate school. Life gets in the way; however, there are still other approaches. Similar to 72-year-old Garcia or 14-year-old Facey, everyone can choose their educational direction, and it is crucial to keep that in mind, especially when a solution may not always present itself.