It is never too late to chase after your Dreams! 80 year old Donzella Washington has graduated from Alabama A&M University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in social work. She was honored with a presidential Medallion.
Donzella is the oldest undergraduate to cross the stage at Alabama A&M. Her daughter, Kimberley, and family friend, Mia Malloy, was there to support Donzella. “I wish my father could be here,” said Kimberley, to see her mother accept the presidential medallion—the first time she crossed the stage before the big moment. The school awarded it to her as a surprise gift.
After Fostering children for 30 years, the 80 year old latest graduate of fall 2019, decided to go for a degree in her field of passion.
“In 2010 my mom died,” said Donzella, “so that really put a damper on my studies, and then in 2011, my husband passed away. And he was so supportive of everything I did. He would not have dinner until I came home.”
To Donzella, breaking this barrier is no little achievement as she grew up feeling like the dumb one amongst as siblings, due to her stuttering.
Donzella no longer stutters as she also says, “I can’t even express that feeling,—to know that I’ve come this far.—”When I stuttered, it really affected my self-confidence.
Donzella Washington overcame all that negativity as she believes that, “we cannot let what others say about us, be us”.
Donzella hopes to pursue a master’s degree and also continue working with children.
“I really wanna inspire young people and adults who feel like their age has been a barrier.” The magna cum laude graduate opines.
