Dedicated 52-Year-Old Housemaid Achieves University Degree After 30 Years of Caring for Others
However, Thomas never wavered in her pursuit of higher education. In 2019, she enrolled at BMCC, balancing her studies with her work as a housemaid. Her dedication and commitment stood out as she took online classes while continuing to care for others.
AKACHI NOEL 
In an inspiring tale of perseverance and determination, Lyn Thomas, a 52-year-old housemaid from New York, is on the brink of realizing her lifelong dream as she prepares to graduate from the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. Thomas's journey is a testament to her resilience, overcoming numerous challenges over three decades to achieve her educational aspirations.
Originally from Jamaica, Thomas moved to New York at 18 to join her mother, who worked as a domestic worker. Despite her demanding job as a nanny for various families, she attended night classes to obtain her high school diploma. Life took unexpected turns when she became a single mother at 26, navigating financial struggles and homelessness after her second marriage ended in betrayal.
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However, Thomas never wavered in her pursuit of higher education. In 2019, she enrolled at BMCC, balancing her studies with her work as a housemaid. Her dedication and commitment stood out as she took online classes while continuing to care for others.
Upon graduation, Thomas plans to pursue a Master's Degree in Public Health, aspiring to contribute to the health sector and serve as an inspiration for women facing similar challenges. She encourages others, saying, "It's never too late to achieve your goals. You have to believe in yourself and work hard. You have to be resilient and persistent. You have to overcome your fears and doubts. You have to be your own cheerleader."
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Celebrating her achievements alongside her daughter, now 26 and working as an accountant, Thomas emphasizes the crucial role her daughter played as her motivator and inspiration throughout the journey.
BMCC, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, supports over 25,000 students from diverse backgrounds, offering more than 50 academic programs and comprehensive support services. BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe applauded Thomas and the Class of 2023, highlighting their resilience in the face of pandemic challenges and expressing pride in their readiness to make a positive impact.
