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Do you have a good values-based story to tell? It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Share A Story NowYears of anticipating this time has finally arrived, there were times when I thought we would never get here. We are having three graduations in one family! My daughter is graduating from 4-year college in nursing, and my son is graduating from high school, and I also just graduated last week.
The dream was planted many years ago. I had always dreamt of going back to school, but it was too scary and too hard.
Three years ago, I lost a dear friend of mine in a car accident, a severe head injury. All those thoughts of “someday” seemed to take on different meaning. Well, I decided to take a course, then I took two. I finally took 4 classes, and the second week of school, my family was in a terrible car accident. My husband and three children were on our way to visit my other daughter at college for her twenty first birthday, and we were hit by a truck a half mile from our house. My husband was mede-vacked, and I was told many times the miracle that he had survived a traumatic head injury.
The three of us were barely passing after that time period. I had a broken arm and could not write. As my password, I called myself “mountainclimber.” The journey was difficult and every hill seemed higher to climb. I suppose the thing that pulled me through was when I couldn't do it for myself, I could do it to honor my friend!
Last week, the highlight of my life was walking across that platform getting my degree six months before I turn fifty!!!!
(Thanks Pat, miss ya, tried to honor your memory!)
Story was submitted anonymously
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Your Comments
Congratulations!
I am so happy for you.
I hope I can graduate soon, like you, too.
Posted about 3 years ago by Irene H. from Taiwan
It pushed me to see the far-reaching of my dreams.
Posted over 3 years ago by John M. from Swizerland
I loved your story. You will inpire many people by telling it and give them alot of encourgement to pursue their own goals in education as well.
Posted over 3 years ago by Kim A. from Ar., USA
Excellent - what are you going to do with your new skills & experience?
Posted almost 4 years ago by Paul T from Norwich, UK
I just want to say Congratulations on your achievement. I am proud of you. Education is the most important thing that no one can take away from you. I graduated last May, 2007 and it was the beginning and happiest time of my life. The hard work and determination put into it is something I will never forget for the rest of my life. As my name was called to received my degree, I just wanted to cry because I never thought that my dreams would be realized. All it takes is believing in yourself. So thanks for sharing your story. Keep believing.
Posted almost 4 years ago by Minnie V. from Irvine, California USA
I am going to send this to everybody I know. This is a truly inspirational story(-:
Posted about 4 years ago by Brandon S. from Hayden, Idaho USA
50 huh? Well better late then never!!!
Posted about 4 years ago by Yoman Q. from Baghdad, Iraq
That is the best story I have ever read.
Posted about 4 years ago by Justin T. from Arizona, USA
Good job! Makes me think I can do it too! I'm plugging along with the prerequisites for nursing and I'm 55. Math is daunting but I'll get through it eventually. Thanks for sharing!
Posted about 4 years ago by Jo N. from Jacksonville, Florida USA
Good job! Makes me think I can do it too! I'm plugging along with the pre-requisites for nursing and I'm 55. Math is daunting but I'll get through it eventually. Thanks for sharing.
Posted about 4 years ago by Jo N. from Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Thanks this has served as a prime motivation to continue fighting against obstacles in life. Thanks also to all of you who comment on the story, very inspiring as well, KEEP ON FIGHTING that should be our motto.
Posted about 4 years ago by Nathalia M. from San Salvador, El Salvador
you were determined to do something and you did it, that is something to be proud of.
Posted about 4 years ago by Tiffany H. from Arkansas USA
your story is really encouraging.
Posted about 4 years ago by Tamoge .M. from Kisii,KENYA.
Courage is the first human quality which guarantees the others. I am really proud of you and I really want to give you standing ovation. Well done!
Posted about 4 years ago by Navdeep A. from India
Your dream is a dream well lived, despite the fears, you over looked them because you are looking at the glory that will follow at the end. I love that because am even planning to go back to school.
Posted over 4 years ago by Nneka P. from Port-Harcour, Nigeria
Finding your site is a great blessing to me. I have never found a site with such great inspirational words. It's true that learning is a treasure.
Posted over 4 years ago by Lord A. from Accra, Ghana
Congratulations! The courage and determination in you is so real that it touches the heart of those people who have read it!
Posted over 4 years ago by Emma T. from Philippines
A dream is not one that you see when you are asleep, its what keeps you awake. You stood awake and fullfilled your dream. I salute your "never say never again" sprit.
Posted over 4 years ago by Deepak R. from India
Very touching...who wrote this story?
Posted over 4 years ago by Treyvon M. from North Carolina, USA
Wonderful story, an inspiration too all.
Posted over 4 years ago by Christine B, from Marianna, Arizona USA
Excellent! Thanks for such an inspirational story.
Posted over 4 years ago by Mrinal P. from Assam, India
An inspring story to everyone out there faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Kudos to you!
Posted over 4 years ago by Antonio L. from Compostela Valley, Philippines
Sweet story, though your arm was broken you never give up. I like that. ThanksT
Posted over 4 years ago by Vivian O. from Lagos, Nigeria
I am moved!
Posted over 4 years ago by Sifiso, S. from Johannesburg, South Africa
You deserve it! Congratulations!! I also just graduated and am struggling if I should fight for my dream or just get a job that's stable because everyone around me tells me to. Your story inspired me, thanks a lot!
Posted over 4 years ago by Yuenwa from Hong Kong
Your Friend & Family might be very proud of you and so am I. It's never too late for a new start!
Posted over 4 years ago by Ramya from
It's absolutely great!
Posted over 4 years ago by Sushpa B. from kolkata, India
This is a great encouragement for me because I was thinking of going back to school yet I felt a sort of embarrassment. Now am going to do it because I have known it is something that can be done.
Posted over 4 years ago by Josh M. from Kenya
It moved me.
Posted over 4 years ago by Mark L. from Philippines
Absolutely amazing. This story has really lifted my morale up...thanks!
Posted over 4 years ago by Asim J. from Pakistan
Our story seems familiar it is just a matter of perseverance.
Posted over 4 years ago by Hermoine C. from Cainta, Rizal Philippines
I have just completed a university course in my 40's and feel fantastic. Such an achievement along that unpredictable journey of life!
Posted over 4 years ago by Wendy G. from Australia
This is really an inspiring story that I would like to share with my friends! I salute your persistence!
Posted over 4 years ago by Sebi T. from St. Louis, Missouri, USA
It is a very inspiring story-- "never say die" attitude.
Posted over 4 years ago by Joe Peter V. from Philippines
He who will eat a kernel must crack the nut. And you must strive to succeed.
Posted over 4 years ago by Ariheihi from Uganda
Thank you so much I have learned that nothing comes easy in life, one must work hard and be strong as you did thank you for what you did!
Posted over 4 years ago by Joyce N. from Winterveldt, South Africa
Thanks for sharing your inspirational story...I hope I have courage to do that such things!
Posted over 4 years ago by Mary from Thailand
kudos,some times it seems the journey is too far but a journey of thousand miles begins with a step. Try and fail but never fail to try.
Posted over 4 years ago by paul from Nigeria
As the saying goes, "There's a Will, there's a Way", it proves to me despite the obstacles & hurdles in life things are achievable. Bravo to you!
Posted over 4 years ago by Cosmas K from Kuching, Malaysia
The story just remind me that for everything that you passionately want,dont allow any obstacles to ruin it...its yours.
Posted over 4 years ago by madupela J.L from Johannesburg South Africa
After passing lots of obstacles, I have now earned my first degree and am on the final year of my second degree. But something was holding me back from finishing it. Your story has helped me alot and i am sure i am going to make it again.
Posted over 4 years ago by Solomon Adane A from Addis Ababa Ethiopia
this article or story helps me to lift up my mind.
Posted over 4 years ago by Jovie S from Baguio, Philippines
Education is the best thing that was placed on my way because it did help in the future, so do your best and it will payoff. THANKS!
Posted over 4 years ago by Alexander M.Q. from Belize
wow...;)
Posted over 4 years ago by Kalli P from Indonesia
I graduated from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland last year. Boy was it testing, in fact, under your circumstances, I'm amazed you did it. Congrats!
Posted over 4 years ago by Frances B from Dundalk, Ireland
Just wanna say, Great!
Posted over 4 years ago by Sunny from Ghaziabad, India
"if something is hard to achieve, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't try...it means that you must try harder"...
your story testifies this, it's indeed a thought provoking & inspiring story. Thanx for sharing your experiences with us.
Posted over 4 years ago by Sukhsohit S from Chandigarh, India
A very uplifting story. Your determination to complete what you started regardless of the obstacles placed in front of you was amazing.
Posted over 4 years ago by Anushka R from Trinidad and Tobago
Thanks for the sharing. It was timely for me as an orphan and have to make it in life from scratch
Posted over 4 years ago by Egessa J from Tororo, Eastern Uganda