Since no one in my life seemed to care that I graduated college, I’ll tell a bunch of strangers online

r/

After 5 years, 2 kids, many jobs, many homes, and many breaks from school, I finally finished my associates degree in business administration from my community college and will start university next year.

It’s always been a goal of mine to finish college since I am a first generation high school graduate and now a first generation college graduate 🙂 nobody ever told me to go to college and when I say nobody I mean NOBODY. Not any teachers, relatives, friends, bosses, it’s just something you don’t really push on a poor kid to do since it’s obvious you have to work. I never got support from anyone any time I complained about school and how hard it was to balance everything. Either way I always pushed myself to continue and now that I hit this milestone, the reaction was underwhelming from everyone including my mom and wife but oh well I’m proud of me 🙂 thanks for reading

Comments

  1. yagot2bekidding Avatar

    That is amazing – congratulations!! It is a lot of hard work and a big accomplishment. I’m proud of you, too!!

  2. No_Astronaut_2320 Avatar

    Letssss Gooooooooo. Proud of you!!! Hard work pays off and certainly did that with those obstacles. Good luck OP!

  3. Dude-yeeter-beeter Avatar

    Congrats!!! I’m proud of ya! 🙂

  4. dinx67 Avatar

    Well done! Celebrate your success 🙌

  5. Sylvore Avatar

    Congratulations 🎊 👏 very proud of you!!

  6. beachbumlbc Avatar

    Congrats! im not sure if you are first gen? but if you are I say with a tear in my eye to make sure you are going to focus that major what about accounting? many go to college with generalized degrees like business and communications, and it does not help them in the work field. People can down vote this comment all they want, I am just looking out. Congrats on pushing your self! its amazing

  7. doloresfandango Avatar

    Well done!! You are amazing and you will not regret it! I did it too and I’m proud of myself and you. Your new learning adventure has begun. Keep going.

  8. descartes77 Avatar

    I’m proud of you. I also came from a family that didn’t have a lot of money, but fortunately for me, they were supportive. It took me about 10 years to get my 4 year degree. When I graduated, my daughter was about 2 weeks old. Neither of my parents ever had a college degree, I think my father had 1 semester of college. I am the youngest of 5 children and we all have at least a 4 year degree. I am happy you can set such a good example for your own children.

  9. hastiepen Avatar

    This stranger is incredibly proud of you, well done!

  10. EnderMoon93 Avatar

    Congratulations!! You’re doing so well!!

  11. bernd1968 Avatar

    Congratulations! Well done.

  12. Capricornyogi Avatar

    Amazing!! Be proud of yourself. You are a cycle changer and your kids will be proud of you too. 👏🏼

  13. HakunaMatata0_0 Avatar

    Brava ! Very well done

  14. bonk86 Avatar

    Bro I actually love this for you, my mom passed without having the chance to do this and seeing this made me feel so proud of you

  15. Laundry_Ghost Avatar

    I am genuinely SO proud of you. You have accomplished what so many haven’t, and it’s absolutely incredible that you are the very first in your family to graduate! That’s a feat in itself! It’s disheartening to hear no one is sharing in your joyous, extraordinary feat, but know so many people here are ecstatic about your achievement. I wish I could throw you a celebration myself because you absolutely deserve it! This stranger is immensely proud and overjoyed for you. Congratulations on your graduation, my friend!

  16. ChancieLu Avatar

    That’s great. Congratulations!!!🎊🎉

  17. Helpful_Potato_3356 Avatar

    CONGRATULATIONS! IT’S AN AWESOME ACHIEVEMENT

  18. Ragadast335 Avatar

    Proud of you OP, keep pushing!!

  19. lineinthesand504 Avatar

    Congratulations!!!

  20. ZXTINE Avatar

    Proud of you and so happy you did it!!!

  21. Playful-Selection-57 Avatar

    Congratulations! People around you should be your best supporters but if Reddit has taught us anything, it is not always the case! Be proud of your accomplishments! And celebrate with people who at least care about you! Wishing you all the best!

  22. Specific-Pear-1631 Avatar

    Congratulations!!!! You are incredible 🙂

  23. Even-Heat-1349 Avatar

    Congratulations! I can’t even imagine going to school while working and parenting. Getting your degree is a HUGE achievement! This internet stranger is happy for you!

  24. avesthasnosleeves Avatar

    This mom is so incredibly proud of you – I know just how hard it is.

    You are amazing and deserve all the good things. Congratulations!!!

  25. antartisa Avatar

    Wooohoo! Congratulations and all the best to you!

  26. TurtleBeansforAll Avatar

    Go you!!! Go go go!!! I see you! Congratulations!

  27. the_shittiest_option Avatar

    First Gen for a lot of education in my family and a dad as well: I’m proud of you!

    That’s dedication to get that done while juggling a family.

  28. Valkyrie1006 Avatar

    Congratulations and keep pursuing your dreams whatever they may be.

  29. Otherwise_Poet_1998 Avatar

    You rock! Congrats, hope you have many achievements from here on. It’s still a long way to go, but I know you can do it.

  30. Burnt_Espresso Avatar

    Congrats! Keep at it! 🎉

  31. Egbert_64 Avatar

    GOOD FOR YOU! Keep going! Investing in yourself will always pay dividends. Also teaching your children discipline and positivity. Good luck 🍀 in the next phase.

  32. Jujknitsu Avatar

    I have a huge amount of respect for those who go to college without much support. It really shows your motivation and grit. I have a friend who went all the way and got a PhD and her family just didn’t really understand the significance of that, nor did they help her out and support her along the way. I admire smart and hardworking people so much. So many people get opportunities just handed to them but some people have to create opportunities.

  33. wp3wp3wp3 Avatar

    That’s an incredible accomplishment! Way to go! 🎉🎈🎉🎈🎉

  34. tigbit72 Avatar

    Ik ben ongelofelijk trots op jou. Serieus.

  35. Cheap_Lunch_ Avatar

    Congratulations. So very proud of you. Good job op.

  36. CandidateExotic9771 Avatar

    Congratulations!! That’s a fantastic milestone! Sorry that there are people that don’t understand its importance. When you get your 4 yr, throw yourself a little celebration (or now if the funds are there!)

  37. ubermonkey Avatar

    I nominate myself as your Random Internet Uncle.

    I am proud of you!

  38. Maleficent_Pay_4154 Avatar

    Congratulations. I finally finished my degree at 45. It’s a great achievement you managed.

  39. thinkpinkhair Avatar

    Congratulations!!

  40. FutureBner Avatar

    Congratulations

  41. Siya78 Avatar

    I love stories like this, congratulations ! 🎉🎊🍾🎈 wish you the best

  42. DanetteGirl Avatar

    Proud of you!!! Congratulations!!

  43. kal8el77 Avatar

    Congrats. Breaking the family cycle is a big deal. You’ve introduced, to your family, a generational change for the better.

    Education and knowledge creates open doors.

    You’ve done what generations of family before you couldn’t. Be proud of yourself, my friend.

  44. fedora_and_a_whip Avatar

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

  45. nightwaterlily Avatar

    CONGRATULATIONS!!

    Just letting you know that those many jobs from before are very useful when applying for internships or first job out of college! Be confident when the time comes and don’t let age gaps bring you down!

  46. Intelligent-Guard267 Avatar

    Hey pal, we are your family now. No longer strangers…

  47. Fargoguy92 Avatar

    Good for you, that’s awesome! Did you go to the graduation ceremony walk etc?

  48. ten-oh-four Avatar

    Congrats! Well done. Thanks for sharing your story, I feel inspired to go work on my degree (at 43).

  49. hack_urr Avatar

    I am so proud of You, congratulations!!!! It’s a huge accomplishment, and all those hard work will pay off soon!

  50. A96 Avatar

    Pursuing higher education is always a respectable and worthwhile goal. It’s never exactly easy for anyone but it can be especially hard for disadvantaged students, so a full congratulations on your lifetime achievement.

  51. Strong-inthe-RealWay Avatar

    Congratulations, for real!

  52. deathproofbich Avatar

    Good job OP!! Congratulations! This internet stranger is truly happy for you & I hope you celebrate your accomplishments.

  53. idealistmoon Avatar

    Congratulations! You got this and best wishes on all future endeavors

  54. figster111 Avatar

    Good job! We are proud of you!

  55. Matadore063 Avatar

    Well we are proud of your awesomeness. Keep pressing on. YOU ROCK!

  56. mimzynull Avatar

    CONGRATS!!! That is amazing – I am proud of you 🙂 School + kids + working is a huge deal! Good Luck at University next year, cheers and be well friend!

  57. Pita7231993 Avatar

    Congratulations! You did it! Very proud of you!

  58. LittleRogue77 Avatar

    As someone that works at a small college within a largely rural population, please allow me to offer my congratulations….

    Fuck YEAH! You did it! Congratulations on this HUGE accomplishment! Not only have you shown yourself what you can accomplish with hard work and dedication, you have shown your children that it’s 100% possible for them to accomplish as well. So very proud of you fellow human! Good luck to you and yours! <3

  59. ChaoticMornings Avatar

    Reddit is very proud of you.

    You believed you could, so you did!
    You did it alone, without their support, and even tho their reactions are still underwhelming, you don’t need it, you did this all by yourself.

    Treat yourself now.
    Hell, throw some confetti, get out the piñata, their confused reactions can be a good memory too. Even if you have to clean up the mess yourself. After all, you graduated, years of effort. Cleaning up confetti is nothing.

  60. truthm0de Avatar

    Congrats, that’s no small achievement! Enjoy your new life!

  61. catsandbooksandstuff Avatar

    Congratulations! 👏 

  62. Princesshannon2002 Avatar

    I’m so damn proud of you! This took diligence, hard work, and a great deal of dedication. I’m so proud that you were able to accomplish this amazing milestone and so excited for the potential in your future! I love that you’ve set such a fantastic example for your kids and the rest of the family.

    Great work! Congratulations on being awesome!🏆

  63. InfiringWingsope Avatar

    That’s a great feat. I’m proud of you

  64. LifeOutLoud107 Avatar

    I care and am so proud for you!!!

  65. gimmisomepies Avatar

    Proud of you op!

  66. pareidoily Avatar

    I love these posts. You are amazing!!! You did it, all of that hard work was all YOU! Congratulations.

  67. Courage-Character Avatar

    Congratulations!!! That’s amazing

  68. LetgomyEkko Avatar

    Let’s fucking go OP!! Congratulations 🍾🎉🎊

  69. K-Si Avatar

    Truly well done. I’m so happy for and proud of you.

  70. lenaleena Avatar

    Congratulations! It’s a lot harder to attend school when you have children and a job.
    Best of luck on the next step!

  71. Pinkgryphon Avatar

    Congratulations. I am proud of you. 👏

  72. skyalargreen Avatar

    Congratulations 🎉 😊 I am proud of what you have accomplished.

  73. Significant_Wolf3326 Avatar

    Congratulations! That’s a huge accomplishment!!

  74. Bearded_Pip Avatar

    Congrats! It is a big deal and I wish more people in your life were making a big thing if it. You have more work to do, so just stay focused on your goals and living the life you want. You have the work ethic without support and that is amazing. It is not easy, so keep plugging away!

  75. Character-Tennis-241 Avatar

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳🥳

  76. RampagingMonkeys Avatar

    Congratulations, you should be very proud of yourself.

  77. cynluna Avatar

    What a goal you reached, congratulations!

  78. Ok_Tumbleweed5080 Avatar

    I’m proud of you ❤️❤️

  79. sydneyhatescristhian Avatar

    I’m proud of you internet stranger. This put a smile on my face today.

  80. saturatedbloom Avatar

    Congratulations!! You were so disciplined and strong and maintained your focus!

  81. DCBKNYC Avatar

    Congratulations! I finished my bachelors when I was 34. I really enjoyed the classes because I was older and been in the real world and the classes were immediately applicable. I have a good job now which I wouldn’t have been able to apply to without the degree. Good luck with your next step.

  82. First_Alfalfa2805 Avatar

    Mannnnnn,I’m so proud of you.
    Congratulations 🎊 🍾🍾🍾🍾🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊

  83. Erickajade1 Avatar

    Congratulations! I’m proud of you!!

  84. monzmom Avatar

    Pretty amazing! Good luck in your next steps!

  85. quitblazing Avatar

    Congratulations on this. You should treat yourself to something nice. A dinner, gift, or even a night out in your own.

  86. LadyStardust_08 Avatar

    Congratulations, man! Proud of you!!

  87. jcstcc Avatar

    Hell yeah. I finish in August and I can’t wait. 100% did this for me and my daughter. I spent a long time thinking I couldn’t or wouldn’t and here I am. Hoping to start my master’s next year. Congratulations. 🤘

  88. kgetch01 Avatar

    Congratulations! Awesome accomplishment that you should be very proud of.

  89. Salt-Finding9193 Avatar

    Congratulations! 🙌 

  90. FloppyDiskFish Avatar

    I wanna say this as someone who also had a lot of obstacles put in my way that I’m so incredibly proud of you!

    It is HARD to go to school when the only one that is pushing you along is just yourself and you have no one else to motivate you along the way or to help pick you back up when things get tough.

    You did that! And now you’re taking on the next best step, remember that when you are walking and getting your diploma that you did this for yourself and you should be incredibly proud of yourself. You’re a rockstar!

  91. bunz007 Avatar

    Congratulations 🎉

  92. Pixie-Dust365 Avatar

    Congratulations!!!! I am currently working on my associate as well and I know that this process isn’t easy. I’ve been on that on again off again boat too. I’m so happy for you and I hope that this will be me soon too.

  93. aliensporebomb Avatar

    Great news! Congratulations!

  94. monstersmuse Avatar
  95. Jealous-Cellist-4155 Avatar

    Congratulations! You’re so amazing!

  96. YogaPotat0 Avatar

    You should be so incredibly proud of this accomplishment! Well done, and best of luck with your next step.👏🏼

  97. living_weirdo91 Avatar

    Congrats Steve (idk why I said steve, but you seem like a Steve)

  98. Dr_JGOD Avatar

    Congratulations!🎊

  99. TheKrimsonKing Avatar

    WAAAAAAAAA, thats AWESOME!!!! Congrats and good job!

  100. WonderfulPrior381 Avatar

    Congratulations. You are setting an awesome example for your kids. You did not quit even through the challenges of having a family and working.

  101. RedditGeneralManager Avatar

    That’s awesome! There are a lot of things in my life I’ve started to do and just stopped. You could’ve easily done the same but didn’t. That’s dedication, perseverance, and determination. Proud of you stranger. I’d buy you one of whatever you like, beer, ice cream, burrito, if I could. Keep that head up and keep going.

  102. GoldenHeart411 Avatar

    So happy for you! You’re an inspiration!

  103. Affectionate_Face_71 Avatar

    I’m proud of you. Congratulations 🎉 well done 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🚀🚀🚀🚀

  104. themerkinmademe Avatar

    Mazel tov! Congratulations! That’s wonderful <3 I hope you took (or are taking) graduation photos!

  105. darkMOM4 Avatar

    Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳

  106. YolandriaPuzzles Avatar

    Very Proud of you. You can also get more mom-like appreciation on the „mom for a minute“ subreddit (not sure if linking is allowed) if you would like some

  107. space_pirate666 Avatar

    Congratulations! It is a big milestone indeed, i hated college but was oh so thrilled when i finally graduated. Wish you the best of luck at uni, fingers crossed

  108. Any-Abalone8047 Avatar

    FUCCKKK YEAH!!!!!

  109. Wolverine-19 Avatar

    Congrats! The struggle is real but you showed that it is possible!

  110. VelocitySkyrusher Avatar

    Congratulations! Good luck in University! You came so far!

  111. it-was-all-a-dream Avatar

    Congratulations! 🎉 🥳and best of luck at University! You got this!

  112. IrregularArguement Avatar

    Well done. You achieved a life goal. Now you know you got will power and can commit. Well done.

  113. Infinit-Stardustbaby Avatar

    Congratulations! Proud of you, it’s not easy but you did it! All your hard work payed off.

  114. bing-a-ling-bling Avatar

    you’re a champ! 🏅

  115. happysri Avatar

    Congratulations yo!

  116. magsk Avatar

    congratulations!! i’m proud of you stranger 🙂

  117. DirtyTileFloor Avatar

    Whooooo! Congratulations! You’ve done a great job against the odds! So proud of you, friend!

  118. ChrisKetcham1987 Avatar

    Congratulations! Very proud of you and your accomplishments — best of luck at university!