At the age of 76, Shirley Fuller achieved a remarkable milestone by graduating from North Carolina Central University with a bachelor’s degree.
Her accomplishment not only marks a personal triumph but also establishes her as the first in her family to attain a four-year college degree, creating a historic moment.
Shirley earned her bachelor’s degree in behavioral and social sciences at NCCU, as reported by ABC-11. This achievement follows her earning an associate’s degree from Wake Technical Community College six years prior.
Despite facing a significant setback in 2018 when her house was destroyed in a fire, Shirley did not let adversity deter her educational pursuits. In the aftermath of the tragic incident, she found solace in the survival of one object – her textbook from Wake Tech. This textbook became a symbol of her resilience and determination to overcome challenges.
Shirley emphasized the importance of her achievement, stating, “Praise the Lord. It means everything to me. Because my children know I’m not a quitter.” She acknowledged the struggles she faced, including drug addiction, depression, and sexual assault, and expressed her intention to be a beacon of hope for others.
Looking ahead, Shirley aspires to leverage her degree for the greater good by establishing a non-profit recovery facility to support women dealing with addiction. She sees herself as a source of inspiration for those who have faced even more challenging situations. Despite her past hardships, Shirley remains determined to make a positive impact, planning to pursue a master’s degree in public administration while working towards her goal of helping others on their journey to recovery.