Graduation Day at Last
I graduated from college on Tuesday. I had decided not to participate in the ceremony, but to attend as a spectator. A week earlier I got an email from the Dean of Studies, asking if I "would mind if this year's commencement speaker-New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg-refers briefly to you-but not by name-in his address? Apparently his office had asked about any of this year’s graduates with unusual stories, and mine caught their attention. Of course I replied that I would be flattered to be mentioned in his speech. Of course I replied that I would be flattered to be mentioned in his speech.
My son came with me and knew about this. Early in his speech, Mayor Bloomberg made a joke about MetroCards, saying to the graduating class of 22-year-olds, “except for one of you, it will be 40 years before you can get a senior fare MetroCard.” Luke and I cracked up, assuming this was his comment about me. But a little later, out of the blue, Bloomberg said he wanted to point out one of the graduates that he had a little more in common with, and that was Margaret Johnson! I was so surprised. He went on to mention I had returned to school after an absence of over 20 years, and he appreciated how hard it was to return to academia—he himself is struggling to learn Spanish—and offered me his congratulations. I must admit that being singled out for mention among 597 graduates by the mayor of New York City was pretty special.
I felt a lot of ambivalence about returning to school—partly embarrassed about not finishing when I should have; partly feeling that, at my age, a college degree couldn’t possibly make a difference; and partly wanting to prove to myself that I could do it. The Dean’s email said he mentioned me to the Mayor’s office, “feeling that your story—your determination and perseverance, your initiative—in coming back to Barnard to earn your degree, with flying colors, after a number of years makes for a wonderful, exemplary story.” I think that’s a little over the top, but it has been quite an experience. And being congratulated by the Mayor at commencement was a wonderful climax to this exceptional year.
Tory Johnson
Comments (9)
Congratulations, Margaret. I hadn't known about your story before, but you are an inspiration. Barnard and all of the class of 2008, I'm sure, are proud of you, myself included. Toi was my roommate, and I think she said it well. I wish you all the best, and hope to see you at reunions!
— Posted by Reim | June 4, 2008 12:59 PM | Comment Permalink
Hi Margaret,
As a 21 year-old, I may not have seen as much of the world nor be as gutsy as some of you--that is, those who are the same age as my mother taking on higher education with more zeal and dedication than most of the students in your classes-- but I can (finally!) say that I, too, am a Barnard woman, also class of 2008. As a fellow alum, I am PROUD to call you a Barnard sister--one who has really taken her life into her own hands and furthered her possibilities. May the strength and wisdom that you exhibited by coming back to college and graduating from one of the nation's top schools never leave you; may we all possess those same qualities. My only regret is not having the opportunity to meet you. Thank you for being an inspiration to me, our class, and all others who know how hard it is to take a step back in order to take 5 steps forward.
Sincerely,
Toi
— Posted by Toi | June 4, 2008 12:14 AM | Comment Permalink
I recently also graduated college at 49.5. Unfortunately, I have been running into problems with employers.. I'm too old... The interviewing process has been stressful, when the person interviewing is younger than your children.. They are not kind..
— Posted by Terry Koehler | May 31, 2008 5:40 PM | Comment Permalink
I'm 40 years old, a single Mom of two teenage boys. I've been working on a 2 year degree for 4 years now! I've recently been accepted into the nursing program.
I want you to know that you should be very proud of yourself and what you have accomplished.
Congratulations.
— Posted by Kerry Westefield | May 27, 2008 8:32 PM | Comment Permalink
Congratulations Margaret:
I am a 35-year first year student who is attaining my Associate Degree this August and plan to achieve my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration next June. The above comment doesn't mean I am 35 years old, it means I am 54 years old and have been a college first year student for 35 years. I know what it took for you to finish with flying colors and you are to be saluted. I don't know about you but I, as a 4.0 student this time around it seems timely and sweeter. Best wishes and enjoy the spare time while it lasts. (smile) The best is yet to come!
— Posted by Gwendolyn M | May 27, 2008 3:21 PM | Comment Permalink
Congratulations Margaret!
I know from experience that going back for a degree "later in life" takes hard work and determination. It also takes "keeping your eye on the prize." Which you have successfully done through all of your hard work. Mayor Bloomberg's comment, "over the top?" I don't think so, I think he's a smart man to draw attention to someone who can be a role model for so many. All the best.
Janine - comeback-mom
— Posted by Janine | May 27, 2008 10:28 AM | Comment Permalink
Dear Been There Done That,
I congratulate you on your achievement. You are inspiring to me. I am 50 years old and I am just beginning the journey, tonight is my first college course after 32 years away. Thanks to Women for Hire for posting your story and allowing me to read it, today of all days when I needed it. I may be 60 when I graduate but I need to prove to myself that I can do it. Thanks to someone like you who shares the idea that it is never too late to go after something you want.
— Posted by Marg McRea | May 27, 2008 9:44 AM | Comment Permalink
Congratulations on your achievement and recognition by Mayor Bloomberg. I think it is wonderful that they have recognized you publicly.
There are many of us who, after 20-30 years away from school, have realized that returning is just as much for the income requirements/career change as they are for the personal satisfaction.
Again, congratulations on your achievement!
— Posted by Catherine | May 24, 2008 7:30 AM | Comment Permalink
Congratulations Margaret Johnson. You are a wonderful inspiration to all of us. You deserve the kudos from the mayor. Your hard work and determination paid off. It's doesn't matter when you finished college but the fact that you persevered. Best wishes.
— Posted by AM Morgan | May 23, 2008 2:31 PM | Comment Permalink