Shirley Fuller Breaks Barriers at 76, Graduating as First in Her Family from North Carolina Central University
"Praise the Lord. It means everything to me. Because my children know I’m not a quitter," Shirley expressed, capturing the profound impact of her educational journey on her family.
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In a testament to perseverance and determination, 76-year-old Shirley Fuller has achieved a historic milestone by graduating from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), United States, with a bachelor's degree. Shirley's accomplishment not only marks a personal triumph but also establishes her as the first graduate in her family.
Shirley earned her bachelor's degree in behavioral and social sciences, embodying the significance of lifelong learning and defying age-related stereotypes. Her journey to this achievement includes a previous milestone—a six-year journey that led to her earning an associate's degree from Wake Technical Community College.
"Praise the Lord. It means everything to me. Because my children know I’m not a quitter," Shirley expressed, capturing the profound impact of her educational journey on her family.
Shirley's educational pursuits faced a significant challenge in 2018 when her house was tragically destroyed in a fire, resulting in the loss of almost everything. Amidst the devastation, a single surviving textbook from Wake Tech became a symbol of resilience for Shirley, inspiring her to persist in her academic goals.
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"I lost everything I owned, except one object. And that was my textbook from Wake Tech. And I said to God, ‘There is a reason that this textbook survived this fire,'" she recounted, emphasizing the unexpected sources of strength that fueled her determination.
Despite the hardships she faced, Shirley plans to utilize her degree to become a beacon of hope for others. A survivor of drug addiction, depression, and sexual assault, she aspires to establish a non-profit recovery facility to support women grappling with addiction.
"I want to help other women who I know have been through worse situations than I did," Shirley affirmed, outlining her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Looking ahead, Shirley aims to pursue a master’s degree in public administration concurrently with the establishment of her recovery facility. Her story serves as an inspiration, breaking down barriers and proving that education knows no age limits.
Shirley Fuller's achievement resonates not only as a personal accomplishment but as a symbol of resilience, tenacity, and the transformative power of education.
