Inspiring Augusta University student graduates despite the odds

AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Thursday night time, the primary of three commencement ceremonies for Augusta College Spring 2022 graduates will happen.

That they had a number of ceremonies the final couple of years due to the pandemic. Previous to that, there was only one.

This yr, the college selected three as a result of they had been not sure about what the state of the James Brown Area can be, due to potential development.

Sontonia Browner is an undergrad scholar who regardless of severe well being issues and a studying incapacity– is lastly getting her diploma at 32 years outdated.

“It’s only a blessing. And simply– it’s a miracle. I’m a miracle,” she mentioned.

Sontonia Browner earned her Bachelor of Social Work after years of struggling by way of college due to a studying incapacity and congenital coronary heart illness.

She had a number of surgical procedures together with a tracheotomy at 1 yr outdated and a pacemaker at 3 years outdated. Docs informed her mother and father she wouldn’t dwell previous 16. She mentioned nobody thought she’d ever go to school.

“They informed my mother, like, she simply wants a certificates. She doesn’t nee a diploma. And my mother was like, no, she’s getting her diploma like all people else. She would possibly ant to go to school sooner or later. They usually was like, no, I don’t suppose that’s a good suggestion.”

Browner ended up getting her highschool diploma on-line and after numerous praying and speaking to her mother and father, she determined to go to school.

“I at all times wished a university expertise. I at all times wished that faculty expertise and I at all times wished to hitch a sorority. So, what’s stopping me?” Browner defined.

Regardless of the obstacles she confronted, she mentioned she by no means gave up on her dream.

“It’s a blessing. I simply need to thank God every day. I’m going to be a social employee. I’m going to be a social employee, lastly.”

Browner can’t consider she is lastly getting her diploma and might’t wait to stroll the stage.

“I’m so pleased. I’m nervous. I’m excited. And simply over with pleasure.”

She has a little bit recommendation for folks enthusiastic about going to school however don’t suppose they’ll.

“Take one step at a time. Don’t surrender in your desires. It doesn’t matter your age. When you have a dream or a ardour about one thing, do it.”

Thursday night time’s Graduate ceremony will happen on the Bell Auditorium at 6 pm.
The 2 undergraduate ceremonies can be tomorrow at 10 a.m. and a couple of p.m. on the Augusta Marriott Conference Heart.

You will discover extra data HERE.

Photojournalist: Reggie Mckie.