Making it to the finish line

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s a very special day for East Mississippi Community College as dozens of graduates cross the stage.

It was an even more special day for non traditional students.

Our Victoria Bailey attended the graduation and has more on what this day really means to some in a cap and gown.

Meet Mrs. Louise Carter.

“I plan to seek employment in the business field,”said Carter.

She just crossed the graduation stage Tuesday after taking nearly a decade off from school. Carter says it was no walk in the park.

“It got complicated at times. I think intermediate English was my largest problem. Once I accomplish that class, everything else pretty much ran smoothly. Thanks to all of my teachers for helping me,”said Carter.

EMCC Dean Of Students Melanie Sanders says they are proud of all their students but especially those who’ve had to overcome obstacles that others didn’t.

“The non-traditional ones that have maybe taking a break from education, waited a little bit longer, maybe start a family, and then decided to come to us. They’ve put a lot of hard work and effort into it most of them maintain a job at the same time with completing their classes and we’re just really proud of all of our students,”said Sanders.

Carter was among 291 other students to graduate.

“I plan to seek employment in the business field. I prefer education working at the high school or a junior college,”said Carter.

She says if you are considering going back to school… her advice for anyone of any age is sticking to the challenge.

“Don’t give up there’s all kinds of financial aid that was one of my problems out there to help us,”said Carter.

Graduation also took place at the Scooba Campus.