79-year-old woman fulfills lifelong dream after graduating with bachelor’s degree

Patricia Sias Ellis has made her dream come true after decades of postponing her studies.

79-year-old woman Patricia Sias Ellis graduates college

Ellis, 79, walked across the graduation stage at Clayton State University in Morrow, Ga., on Saturday, May 10, 60 years after putting college on hold to prioritize her family, 11Alive reports.

After years of working and supporting both her husband’s and son’s collegiate careers, Ellis realized her own dream and earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“I always knew I wasn’t finished,” Ellis told 11Alive.

“I didn’t feel like I had ever finished any of the stuff that I had started,” Ellis told 41 NBC.

Ellis’ return to college began eight years ago, when she enrolled at Atlanta Metro College and later transferred to Clayton State Univ.

The decision to return to college came about after her son joked she was “wearing a hole in his sofa watching soap operas all day,” she told 41 NBC. He told her getting a job or going back to school might be more productive, “and I said I am not getting a job,” Ellis explained.

Ellis took a few classes each semester. In 2022, she encountered an unexpected roadblock when doctors discovered a 10-pound tumor on her kidney, 11Alive reports. After surgery, she enrolled in more classes determined to finish her degree.

“I just had a good time, in this whole process — especially this last year when I realized it’s really going to happen,” she told the outlet, adding, “I’ve just been over the moon.”

What’s next?

Ellis’ perseverance and determination has proven an inspiration to the Clayton State community. The university’s president, Dr. Georj Lewis, told 11Alive Ellis “lights up the room”.

“When she crosses that stage, everyone is probably going to stand up,” he told the outlet ahead of the ceremony. “Because she’s hard not to know.”

Following her latest achievement, Ellis is considering enrolling in a master’s program in the future, but is now focused on contributing to her community with the knowledge and wisdom she gained at Clayton State, during what she now considers “the best years of my life.”