As those of you who regularly read the Cobb County Courier know I seldom run either opinion or personal essay. The Courier is a news site. But I’ve decided to make an exception today, and report on something of a personal nature.
I entered Georgia State University in the Fall of 1969, and due to a series of life’s twists and turns, never finished my degree. I made several stabs at graduating, first in the mid-1970s, then in the late 1980s. When I retired from my work in IT, and decided to make the transition into journalism, I began doing freelance reporting, set up the local independent online news site which became Cobb County Courier and entered the journalism program at GSU.
Yesterday evening I graduated. I sent a series of tweets during the commencement on the hashtag #gsu18 and decided to share the one here that garnered the most likes and retweets. This one won hands down:
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My goal was to graduate before I reached 100 years of age. I made it with 33 years to spare. #gsu18 pic.twitter.com/eUQtGTTKaw
— Larry Felton Johnson (@larryfeltonj) May 10, 2018
You’re inspiring, Larry. Thank you for demonstrating to all past, present, and future students that success is not linear, and it’s never too late to achieve one of your goals! So glad you made the fourth attempt.
Sincerely,
A new fan
you’re my inspiration. College is such a struggle right now and finals are coming up I just wanna cry huhuhu but you’re my motivation.
Amazing Larry
Congrats— from another GSU journalism grad — I was only 49 when I finished, but 69 for Clayton States RN to BSN program. ? Haven’t slowed down (yet) …
Congratulations!!