Nationwide — At 79 years outdated, Patricia Sias Ellis is lastly attaining a dream she placed on maintain practically 60 years in the past — incomes her faculty diploma. This previous weekend, the lifelong Georgia resident proudly crossed the stage at Clayton State College, receiving her bachelor’s diploma in legal justice after years of quiet perseverance and private sacrifice. Her journey isn’t just a private triumph however a robust instance of resilience and lifelong studying.In response to News 19, Ellis’s path to commencement started shortly after highschool, however life took a special flip. As an alternative of enrolling in faculty, she centered on working and elevating a household. Her husband and son would each go on to graduate from Morehouse School, however Ellis’s personal tutorial goals have been sidelined for many years. That modified about eight years in the past when her son, teasing her about spending an excessive amount of time watching cleaning soap operas, inspired her to return to highschool.
Taking the recommendation to coronary heart, Ellis enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State School and later transferred to Clayton State, the place she took one or two courses at a time. Regardless of her age and well being challenges—together with the invention and surgical removing of a 10-pound tumor from her kidney simply final 12 months—she remained dedicated to her research. “I simply stored trudging alongside,” she stated. “Semester after semester, simply doing the work.”
Her dedication has impressed many on campus. Ellis has turn out to be a cherished presence at Clayton State, praised by college students and school alike for her vitality, kindness, and unwavering willpower. College President Dr. Georj Lewis famous, “She lights up the room. When she crosses that stage, everybody might be going to face up. As a result of she’s arduous to not know.”
Returning to varsity in her seventies has been deeply fulfilling for Ellis. She says she’s discovered pleasure, constructed friendships, and rediscovered a ardour for studying that transcends age. “These experiences I ought to have had at 19 or 20 years outdated—they’re the identical at 79 years outdated,” she shared. “I’ve had one of the best time.”
Trying forward, Ellis is holding her choices open and hasn’t dominated out pursuing a grasp’s diploma. However for now, she’s centered on utilizing her legal justice training to assist others higher perceive their authorized rights. “I really feel just like the Lord is blessing me with one of the best years of my life,” she stated.
