For the first 51 years of Tony Hart’s life, any kind of degree seemed impossible. After earning his GED, Hart started his nine-year journey that will end in May when he earns his master’s degree in psychology at 60 years old. 

While his journey stands out as unique, many graduates experience a similar one.  

Izzy King’s experience also stands out on the other end of the spectrum. In May, she will cross the stage earning a degree in political science at only 19 years old.  

As hundreds of names are called, grads will cross the stage on their big day, and each one has a different story. They all overcame different obstacles, had individual successes and their own stories to tell.

Carrie White, the Ohio Literacy Center Beginnings Coordinator, works with nontraditional students like Hart and King every day.

“There is no mold,” White said. “Break the mold. Make it your own. One really awesome thing is that it’s so diverse, there are so many people.” 

Sitting in class being the oldest, youngest or just different can be intimidating and scary.  

“The hardest part was not schoolwork,” Hart said. “It was believing I belonged in those classrooms. I was older than most students. I did not have the same background. I did not feel like I fit in, but I kept showing up, and that became my strength.”  

Similarly, Jessica Edmisten found her strength to re-enroll in college while balancing motherhood.  

After being dismissed from the university after her second semester in 2016, almost 5 years later Edmisten decided to reclaim her education and begin earning her degree in communications. 

“I would either be up really early doing stuff or up really late,” she said. “It was horrible, long days and long nights.” 

Balancing school and motherhood meant constant sacrifice, but Edmisten said it was all part of chasing a better future. 

Marty Ropog, the director of the Ohio Literacy Center, focuses on helping students have a second chance at education.  

“It increases the ability to make good choices, to be a better family member, friend, worker — all of that,” Ropog said. “It impacts everything when you look at it; it’s just amazing.” 

When defying odds, confidence can be easily lost. The uncertainty and doubt easily creeps in and takes over. Finding resources to continue the fight and rebuild a nontraditional experience is not an easy feat.  

“If someone is living a life like mine, I would tell them they are not too late,” Hart said. “They are not too old. They are not too damaged. You can start over at any age. You can build something new even if you are carrying scars. One step is enough to change direction.”

During her time at Kent State, King also felt like she was not meant to succeed in this atmosphere. Being the youngest in the room was overwhelming and daunting.  

“A lot of times, I felt like I wasn’t as capable as everyone else in my classes,” King said. “I knew I was the youngest woman there, but in reality, no one else did. I learned that even if it was fake, I had to appear confident. I had to share my knowledge and live up to my full potential.” 

Typically, students graduate high school, attend college and graduate 4 years later. But that’s not always the case.  

For Hart, advanced education didn’t come until much later in life. For Edmisten, advanced education took a few tries. For King, advanced education came at an accelerated pace. None of these paths fit into the mold of a “traditional” college experience.  

“College was not something I planned,” Hart said. “It happened slowly. One class turned into another, and I started to believe I could do this.”

Edmisten restarted her education in a similar manner.  

“I literally remember sitting in my backyard, and I called Kent up,” Edmisten said. “And I was like, ‘Hey, I want to come back—what do I do?’” 

Taking the initial leap is the hardest part. For many students, choosing to start—or start over is where the real challenge begins. 

Class by class, semester by semester, every year, students cross the finish line and earn their degree. Whether it takes two or 10 years, no timeline is perfect and every credit counts.  

“It was interesting to see the variety of people who pass through this university,” King said, “Opening myself up to my classmates helped me learn some of the most valuable lessons during my college experience”.  

Edmisten gave insight into the other end of the spectrum. Being a mom, she found people looked to her for advice.  

“My peers and professors were so much better; they were super understanding,” Edmisten said. “A lot of times, my professors were genuinely happy to learn about my experience and were as accommodating as possible.” 

Kent State strives to cater each student’s experience to them, making them feel like an important member of a classroom rather than a statistic.  

“Sometimes older students need that level of support,” White said. “Nontraditional students may need a little bit more customization than traditional students do.”  

That support can make a significant difference for students balancing education with other responsibilities, helping them stay engaged and complete their degrees. 

A degree is a privilege that not all students have the opportunity to complete.  

Utilizing campus resources and support can be the difference between walking across the stage to get a diploma or not.  

“Education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you,” Edmisten said. “It will make you so incredibly proud of and empowered within yourself to be like, ‘I went to school. I did that. I learned that.’” 

Graduating is not only a piece of paper or certification, for many it is proof that your past does not define you. It’s an opportunity to start over and do something important for yourself.  

For those similar to King, Edmisten and Hart, college changed their world. Walking across the stage meant perseverance, strength and determination.  

As they pursue different paths, they will always hold a piece of Kent State’s education. 

Following graduation, Hart plans to keep working in mental health – group homes, community programs, residential settings – places where people are struggling or overlooked. 

King is enrolled in Kent State’s political science graduate program, where she hopes to earn her master’s degree and become a politician or lawyer.  

Edmisten is working as an influencer marketing coordinator as her 9-5 and coaches her daughter’s soccer league after hours.  

Each individual story is not only inspiring but a true testament to the opportunities Kent State offers its students. Everyone is important. Everyone is valuable. Everyone is deserving.  

“This degree is not just a credential for me,” Hart said. It is proof that I did not give up on myself.” 

Bailey Thomas is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].