Student Overcomes Odds For Degree

Philadelphia - More than 1,700 students from the Community College of Philadelphia received their diplomas on Saturday during graduation ceremonies at the Liacouras Center.

"Today we are honored for our academic achievement which has been no small feat," said Mary Anderson, one of three students to speak during the graduation ceremony.

Anderson is graduating with highest honors and has just won a full scholarship to a Pennsylvania university.

But the odds of her standing on this stage and receiving a diploma were pretty slim.

"I could never have imagined this day happening to me," said Anderson.

Mary dropped out of school in the 8th grade. She had three children and struggled with poverty and depression. But she never gave up her dream. And when her kids were in their teens, she went back to school.

"It had been so long since I had been in school that the first time I walked into the classroom I was petrified. I thought they're all smarter than me. They're all going to look at me like what are you doing here," said Anderson.

After overcoming that fear, she found going to college opened doors.

"This class is filled with graduates and all of you have put your futures in your own hands. You have aimed for the moon and you're actually landing there,” said Stephen Curtis, President of the Community College of Philadelphia.

The journey is just beginning for these graduates. About half will go on to colleges or universities. The other half will join the workforce. And most will remain in the Philadelphia area.

"I would like everyone to realize you have just improved our economy with your associate degree. You will earn 23% more than you would have as a high school graduate," said Anderson in her speech.

Like so many of these graduates, Mary is the first in her family to go to college. She plans to plans to major in education at West Chester University and has this advice for anyone who dreams of getting a degree.

'I really say don't wait to go to school. Do it now."