Huijian Dong Provost | Dickinson State University
Huijian Dong Provost | Dickinson State University
Sylvia Reese's journey to earning a bachelor's degree is a testament to perseverance and the belief that it's never too late to invest in oneself. More than fifty years after she first began college, Sylvia returned to the classroom at the age of 67, driven by her desire to complete her education.
Initially starting college right after high school, Sylvia paused her studies as life took her on a different path. She married, started a family, and focused on raising her children. However, once her youngest child left home for school, Sylvia decided to return to education and earned an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. This led to several years working in preschools until the COVID-19 pandemic prompted significant changes in her life.
Relocating with her husband to North Dakota brought Sylvia closer to her grandchildren and also marked the beginning of another educational pursuit—a bachelor’s degree at Dickinson State University (DSU). Despite challenges such as adapting to new technology and balancing student life with being a grandmother, Sylvia found support among classmates and faculty.
“I wasn’t sure I could do it,” she admitted about returning to college later in life. Her classmates provided assistance with technological hurdles while DSU professors supported her unique circumstances. Dr. Deborah Secord was particularly influential as both advisor and mentor during this time. “She has been my cheerleader,” said Sylvia.
Dr. Secord expressed admiration for Sylvia’s determination: “I invested a lot of time into her because I truly believe everyone deserves the opportunity to accomplish their dreams.”
Student teaching experience further reinforced Sylvia’s commitment, leaving her confident about pursuing part-time work as a teacher assistant post-graduation.
The ripple effect of Sylvia's achievement extends beyond personal fulfillment; it has inspired others around her—including encouraging her daughter toward furthering education in nursing—demonstrating that age need not be an obstacle when chasing dreams.
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