Renee Carroll, a 67-year-old Black woman hailing from Washington, DC, has achieved a remarkable milestone in her life. After decades of perseverance and determination, Carroll has finally graduated high school, etching her name in the annals of history. Her journey is not only a testament to her resilience but also serves as an inspiration to individuals of all ages striving to pursue their dreams against all odds.
Carroll’s educational journey reached its pinnacle as she graduated as the oldest member of her class from the Goodwill Excel Center, a tuition-free adult charter high school located in Washington, DC. With her diploma in hand, Carroll expressed profound joy and a sense of accomplishment, stating, “I graduated with my high school diploma at 67 years old. I just raised the roof on where I’m going.”
For Carroll, the road to graduation was paved with challenges and obstacles. Having embarked on her educational pursuit after four decades, she faced the daunting task of reacclimating to the academic environment. However, buoyed by her unwavering determination and the unwavering support of her peers at the Goodwill Excel Center, Carroll persevered through the rigorous curriculum.
“Returning to school after about 40 years was very hard work,” Carroll reflected. “The younger people really rallied around me and carried me through.” This camaraderie and support from her fellow students served as a source of motivation, empowering Carroll to overcome any obstacles in her path.
The Goodwill Excel Center, established in Foggy Bottom in 2016, stands as a beacon of hope for adult learners seeking to realize their educational aspirations. With a mission to transform lives through the power of education, the center provides a flexible and rigorous program tailored to meet the unique needs of adult students. Carroll’s achievement exemplifies the center’s commitment to empowering individuals and fostering lifelong learning.
Dawn Rhodes, the senior officer at the Goodwill Excel Center, emphasized the transformative impact of education, stating, “It’s never too late to do anything in life in terms of education.” She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness individuals from diverse backgrounds come together and support one another in their educational journey.
With her high school diploma in hand, Renee Carroll now stands poised to embark on the next chapter of her life journey. Her remarkable achievement serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that with perseverance, determination, and unwavering support, anything is possible, regardless of age or circumstance.
As Renee Carroll looks ahead to the future, she embodies the spirit of resilience and perseverance, inspiring others to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the indomitable human spirit.
Congratulations, Renee Carroll, on this historic achievement! Your journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of lifelong learning. You have not only earned your high school diploma but also a place in the hearts of countless individuals inspired by your remarkable story. Here’s to the next phase and the boundless opportunities awaiting!
Buffalo, New York has seen a historic milestone with the grand opening of The Hair Hive, the first Black woman-owned and operated beauty supply store in the area, founded by sisters Brianna Lannie, Lauren Jackson, and Danielle Jackson.
The trio’s journey began out of frustration with the limited availability of products tailored to the needs of Black women. Brianna shared, “A lot of times they’ll get the wrong thing or they’ll be led in the wrong direction, so I knew that it was a need.” Determined to address this gap, they embarked on a mission to make a difference in their community.
Despite Black women being significant consumers in the beauty industry, only 7% of beauty supply stores are owned by Black women. Recognizing this disparity, Brianna, Danielle, and Lauren seized the opportunity to make an impact in the billion-dollar beauty supply industry.
“We literally wear the hair. I change my hair like every month, so it’s good to see people who are actually using the products and using the hair,” remarked Danielle, emphasizing their firsthand understanding of the products they offer. Click here to read more about the three industrious sisters.