The age-old adage, “It’s never too late to achieve your dreams,” has been given new life by Yvonne Spann Sowers and her daughter, Eyamba Sowers Scott, who recently graduated college together with honors. At 71, Spann Sowers completed her bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies at W.L. Bonner College, while her 50-year-old daughter earned a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from National University. Their story is a testament to perseverance, intergenerational inspiration, and the unyielding pursuit of education.
A Shared Journey Spanning Generations
This isn’t the first time the Spann Sowers family has made academic history together. In 1970, Yvonne graduated high school alongside her mother, symbolizing a family tradition of resilience and determination. Over five decades later, Yvonne and Eyamba have carried that legacy forward, celebrating their college graduations within a month of each other.
Yvonne, a retired Deed Analyst for Berkeley County Government, felt a deep yearning to expand her knowledge of theology and the Bible. Inspired by the idea of lifelong learning, she returned to school part-time in 2016. Overcoming significant health challenges, including partial hearing loss and the aftermath of brain surgery, she earned her degree with distinction, graduating Cum Laude and as valedictorian of her class.
Meanwhile, Eyamba, a military veteran with 27 years of service and a background in emergency medical care, decided to pursue her master’s degree to combine her military and medical expertise in the field of emergency management. Despite the challenges of balancing family, work, and studies during the pandemic, she also graduated Cum Laude, inspired by her mother’s unwavering determination.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations
For both women, returning to school as non-traditional students came with unique challenges. Yvonne, recovering from medical issues, worried about keeping pace academically, while Eyamba juggled her studies with family responsibilities during an uncertain time. Despite these hurdles, their shared perseverance and mutual support propelled them forward.
Yvonne credits her faith and passion for theology for fueling her success, saying, “I always had a yearning to learn more about the word of God. It enhanced my understanding and gave me the strength to move forward.” Eyamba, in turn, drew motivation from her mother’s achievements, stating, “Watching her succeed pushed me to excel as well. She’s always been my role model.”
A Message of Hope and Determination
Their story has resonated far beyond their family, inspiring others across the nation to pursue their dreams, no matter their age or circumstances. Both women are committed to giving back to their communities. Yvonne plans to use her theological studies to enhance her church’s mission, while Eyamba aspires to work in emergency management, serving the public with her unique skill set.
The pair offers this advice to anyone considering a return to education:
- Yvonne: “Never give up on your journey. The passion might always be there, and even if fear sets in, take the first step and keep going.”
- Eyamba: “Time will pass anyway, so choose to do something meaningful with it. It’s never too late to chase your passion.”
A Legacy of Resilience
This mother-daughter duo exemplifies the power of resilience and the boundless potential of human ambition. Their story not only celebrates academic achievements but also reinforces a powerful message: that age, circumstance, or adversity should never deter anyone from pursuing their dreams.
Congratulations to Yvonne Spann Sowers and Eyamba Sowers Scott for proving that with determination and faith, anything is possible. Their shared milestone serves as an inspiration for generations to come.
Dr. Penelope Adinku has etched her name in history as Ghana’s first female cardiothoracic surgeon, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her journey reflects her passion for medicine, resilience against societal biases, and a deep commitment to advancing cardiac care in Ghana.
Dr. Adinku was raised in a family where her parents instilled the importance of fearlessly pursuing dreams. Inspired by this foundation, she enrolled at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to study medicine. Driven by her interest in surgery and a desire to help children with congenital heart diseases, she pursued specialized training in cardiothoracic surgery.
Dr. Adinku’s career took off with a three-year general surgery membership program at the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), which she completed in 2017. Furthering her expertise, she undertook a fellowship program, equipping her with the skills needed to perform complex cardiac procedures.
In April 2022, she joined the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, focusing on pediatric cardiac surgery. Her milestone achievement came in May 2022, when she successfully performed her first open-heart surgery on a six-year-old girl under the supervision of the center’s chairman, Dr. Lawrence Agyemang Serebour. Click here to read more about Dr. Penelope Adinku.
