COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Remarkable Journey of Determination
In a heartwarming story straight from Columbia, South Carolina, we meet an inspiring woman named Aliza Burton. At 66 years young, she is not only preparing to graduate from the University of South Carolina but is also set to do so with the prestigious honors of magna cum laude. Yep, you read that correctly! On Monday, she will walk across that glorious stage, a testament to her grit and determination.
A Journey with Many Ups and Downs
Burton’s educational journey is a powerful tale of perseverance. She started college a whopping 48 years ago, but the path was paved with challenges. Back then, she faced financial constraints, crippling self-doubt, and the heavy weight of societal expectations. It would have been easy for her to throw in the towel and walk away, but not Aliza! She made a promise to herself: she would finish school and earn her degree, no matter how long it took.
In her twenties, Burton attempted to pursue her dreams by attending New York University while balancing a full-time job. But, alas, life had other plans, and she couldn’t afford to see it through back then. Fast forward to 2016, and this determined woman decided it was time to give it another shot. She managed to juggle three classes a semester all while working part-time. Talk about commitment!
Finding a Home in the Palmetto State
In 2020, Aliza took a leap of faith and moved to South Carolina. That’s when she discovered a delightful surprise—once she established residency, she could attend college for free! This revelation led her to the doors of USC, where she jumped in as a sophomore.
Being the oldest in her classes didn’t faze her one bit. “Nobody ever guesses that I’m 66,” she laughed, “but it was fine. It was great!” She found a way to connect with her younger classmates. In fact, she even considered her professors as her peers, across generations of learning. “Both groups were actually pretty awesome!” she said.
The Grand Graduation Day
As graduation day approaches, Aliza is excited but understandably a little nervous. “It’s just the culmination of a lot of years of hard work and putting myself out there, and now it’s done,” she admits. Her loved ones are buzzing with anticipation! Two friends and her fiancé plan to cheer her on in person, while her daughter, mother, and brother will proudly watch the ceremony online.
Words of Wisdom
Burton shares some beautiful words of encouragement for anyone thinking about giving up on their dreams: “Just do it, you know, don’t limit yourself, never limit yourself. Always think of the possibilities.” She hates the idea of starting something and not finishing it, which has been her driving force. “I always gave myself that push; I knew I would finish, whatever it took.” Talk about inspiring!
What’s Next?
So, what’s next for the ambitious graduate? Aliza isn’t hanging up her pens just yet! She plans to continue her writing, as she’s currently working on several creative projects. With her determination and talent, there’s no telling what amazing things this lady will achieve next!
In a world where it’s all too easy to underestimate your own potential, Aliza Burton reminds us all that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. So, let’s raise our glasses to her incredible journey, and may we all find the courage to pursue our own passions!
