When it comes to chasing your dreams, it’s never too late to achieve them — and for one Post University woman, that means never giving up on graduating from college.
Kathleen More, 71, of Southington, CT, will complete her associate degree in early childhood education this May.
After decades of fits and starts, which included a divorce, working two jobs and while raising four children who each were high school and college graduates, More never forgot her own academic aspirations.
That desire for learning was instilled in More by her parents. In turn, she instilled that appreciation in her children.
Her daughter Jennifer who lives in New York is a business manager; her son Mike is an electrical engineer at LaGuardia Airport; her son Rob, is a Sargent who works at a Maryland Correctional Facility and Brian is a manager for a manufacturing company in Connecticut. Her children enthusiastically supported her to pursue her education.
“It wasn’t always peaches and roses” More said, “You may stumble but you pick yourself up, go forward and have faith that it will be better. It is never too late to try to make the life you have wanted.”
More started back in higher education, working towards a liberal arts degree, at a college on Long Island. Shortly afterwards, she moved to Connecticut to be closer to one of her sons, where she also secured a job with the nonprofit organization Agency on Aging in New Haven. “My time with this group had me thinking about social service,” explained More, who was taking a course at the community college in New Haven.
In 2016, More transferred her prior college credits to Post University and began classes online in the area of human services on a part-time basis. In 2018, this grandmother of two switched her degree to early childhood education and attended classes full time. “You’re never too old to learn,” quipped More, who has a 3.47 GPA.
More enjoyed the interaction with Post professors and students during her classes. “I found it easier to learn at home,” explained More. “I’ve visited many parts of the United States, so I made connections with classmates who were also studying remotely from communities in Michigan and Missouri.”
Having a quiet space in her home with no cell phone distractions was important for More as an online learner. “It was also convenient to avoid driving in inclement weather like snow or rain.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the University, back in March, announced that Commencement was postponed. The news while disappointing, did not dampen More’s sense of humor. She put on her cap and gown and took a selfie. In her text message to her children that accompanied the photograph, More wrote, “in lieu of cash send toilet paper.”
More, who may be one of the oldest Post students who will complete their degree in the spring, truly shows that age is not a barrier. Talking with her, you understand what it means to emphasize the life between the dash.
Congratulations Kathleen More, you are an inspiration to all of us.