66-Year-Old Graduate Proves It’s Never Too Late to Chase Your Dreams at the University of South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Remarkable Journey of Determination

Meet Aliza Burton, a 66-year-old trailblazer who’s proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams! On Monday, she will be stepping into the spotlight to graduate from the University of South Carolina with a degree in English and, wait for it, a minor in creative writing! This wonderful achievement comes with honors, as she’ll be graduating magna cum laude. If that’s not an inspiring story, we don’t know what is!

From the Past to the Future

Aliza’s journey to this moment wasn’t easy. She first dipped her toes into college life nearly 48 years ago, but found herself grappling with financial challenges, self-doubt, and the pressures of society. Through it all, Aliza made a solemn promise to herself: she would earn her degree. And here she is, finally fulfilling that lifelong dream!

Burton recalls starting college when she was 18 but not thriving as she had hoped. “I didn’t do well, and it was hard to manage everything at that age,” she said. She did, however, take a semester at NYU at 26 while juggling a full-time job, but adulting at that time made it tough to complete her studies. Fast forward to 2016, and Aliza was back at it, enrolling in three classes a semester—all while working part-time! Talk about determination!

Discovering New Opportunities

In 2020, Aliza found herself moving to sunny South Carolina—and let’s just say, things took a wonderful turn! After establishing residency, she discovered that she could attend the University of South Carolina at no cost, which gave her the perfect opportunity to tackle her studies full-force as a sophomore.

“I didn’t mind being the oldest in the class,” Aliza smiled. “Nobody ever guesses that I’m 66, but it was great! I can chat with anyone about just about anything.” She shared her thoughts on the experience of being in classes with students and professors who were often much younger. “It was like being peers. Both my fellow students and my professors were actually pretty awesome.”

Celebrating with Loved Ones

As the big day approaches, Aliza is excited to have her support system by her side. Two friends and her fiancé will be physically attending her graduation ceremony, while her daughter, mom, and brother will join in virtually to cheer her on from afar. What a fantastic show of love and support!

Words of Wisdom

Aliza isn’t just a graduate; she’s also a mentor of sorts to those who feel like their dreams are slipping away. Her advice? “Just do it! Don’t limit yourself—always think of the possibilities.” She emphasizes that it’s important not to start something you can’t finish, especially when it matters. With a heart full of dedication, she completed her studies little by little, ensuring she stayed true to her promise.

What’s Next for Aliza?

So, what’s next for this remarkable grad? Aliza is planning to continue her passion for writing. She is currently working on several projects and is eager to see where her newly minted degree takes her. The possibilities are endless!

In a world where age often feels like a barrier, Aliza Burton stands tall as a beacon of hope, proving that with perseverance and grit, anything is possible. Congratulations, Aliza! We can’t wait to see what you achieve next!