MORROW, Georgia (CNN/WXIA)- It’s never too late to achieve your dreams. At 79, Patricia Sias Ellis is proving that, as she graduates from Clayton State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
From family care to college
Patricia Sias Ellis put her college plans on hold years ago to raise a family, supporting her husband and son as they completed their education. But after raising her family, she felt something was missing. “I didn’t feel like I had ever finished any of the stuff that I had started,” Ellis said.
With encouragement from her son, Ellis returned to school. “He said I was wearing a hole in his sofa watching soap operas all day,” she recalled, “and he said get a job or go to school, and I said I am not getting a job.”
A challenging journey to graduation
Eight years ago, Ellis enrolled at Atlanta Metro College before transferring to Clayton State. She faced setbacks, including the discovery of a 10-pound tumor on her kidney in 2022. Despite the challenges, Ellis persevered, taking one or two classes a semester.
“I’ve just had a good time in this whole process,” she said, “especially in this last year when I realized it’s really going to happen.”
Ellis’ perseverance inspires others
Ellis’ determination has been a source of inspiration to students, professors, and even the university’s president. Clayton State President Georj Lewis praised her resilience, saying, “She lights up the room. Whenever she crosses that stage, everyone is probably going to stand up because she’s hard not to know.”
What’s next for Patricia Sias Ellis?
After receiving her degree, Ellis is considering pursuing a master’s degree. For now, she is focused on giving back to her community. She plans to share the knowledge she gained in her criminal justice classes to help others understand their rights…