Carol McSween-Brooks stood tall in her cap and gown, surrounded by cheers and camera flashes, as she accepted her college diploma at 75 years old. For many, graduation marks the end of a chapter. For Carol, it was the fulfillment of a promise she made to herself more than 50 years ago.
Back in the early 1970s, Carol was like countless other young women—ambitious, optimistic, and enrolled in college with dreams of building a bright future. But life had other plans. Family needs, work demands, and the realities of adulthood pulled her away from the classroom. Still, the dream of finishing her degree never left her. It just waited patiently while she raised children, built a career, and gave her energy to everyone else.
When she finally returned to school through the University of Maryland Global Campus, it wasn’t a decision made lightly. Studying Management Information Systems meant diving into a tech-focused field that had transformed dramatically since she first set foot on a college campus. But Carol embraced the challenge. Her days were filled with Zoom classes, essays, and online discussions. Her nights? Often long and quiet, filled with reading and determination.
Graduation day arrived, and it wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a moment of triumph. Her family beamed with pride as she crossed the stage. Her professors, some young enough to be her grandchildren, applauded her determination. Carol smiled wide, fully aware that she was not just accepting a diploma—she was honoring a lifelong promise to herself.
And she’s not done. Carol is now aiming for something even bigger: earning her Ph.D. by the time she turns 80. Because, as she’s proven, there is no deadline on growth. No age limit on goals. No expiration date on dreams.
Her story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a powerful reminder. If something still tugs at your heart after all these years, maybe it’s not too late. Maybe it’s right on time.
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