Gallatin grandmother earns college degree after putting education on hold

May 4, 2026 - 09:54

More than 30 years after first becoming a mother, a Gallatin woman finally walked across the stage to accept her college diploma. For this grandmother of 12, the journey was not a straight line. She put her education on hold back in the 1980s to raise her children, a decision she never regretted but always planned to revisit.

Life got busy. There were jobs, family obligations, and the daily demands of running a household. For years, the idea of finishing her degree sat in the back of her mind. Then, a few years ago, she decided the time was right. She enrolled at a local college, balancing night classes with babysitting her grandchildren and managing her home.

The path was not easy. There were late nights studying and moments of doubt, but she pushed through. Her family cheered her on every step of the way. This weekend, at age 64, she graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. She said the moment felt surreal, like a dream she had waited decades to live. Her advice to others is simple: it is never too late to go back to school.