One Chicago suburb family is about to turn graduation day into a three-person milestone.
On May 14, Jamar Wilson, his wife Shondra Watson Wilson and daughter Diondra Watson will all graduate from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Shondra Watson Wilson earned a doctorate in strategic leadership. Jamar Wilson completed a master’s degree in homeland security. Diondra Watson earned her bachelor’s degree in health and human science.
“It feels really good,” Jamar Wilson said as he reflected on the family’s accomplishment.
The family’s path to graduation started in 2020, when Diondra Watson began taking online classes at Liberty University. Soon after, both of her parents decided to continue their own education.
Diondra Watson said she was inspired by watching her mother go back to school years earlier.
“My mom, she inspired me at a very young age, when she went back and got her bachelor’s,” Watson said. “So I knew that that was ultimately what I was going to do as well, because I’ve seen the doors that are open for her.”
Jamar Wilson said seeing his daughter return to school pushed him to do the same.
“I saw her go back to school, and I’m like, ‘Maybe I’ll get this little shot,’” he said. “I never explained it to my wife. I just went and did it. One day I just woke up and said, ‘Hey, I applied for school.’ I started in May.”
Two years later, Shondra Watson Wilson began working toward her doctorate.
The family said balancing work, life and school was not always easy.
“There’s been times when I didn’t have enough time for my wife, she didn’t have enough time for me,” Jamar Wilson said. “Same thing with my daughter. She might be closed up in her room studying.”
At times, schoolwork even became part of family life.
“My daughter would ask me, ‘Mom, did you do your homework?’” Shondra Watson Wilson said with a laugh.
All three family members will walk the stage together May 14 in Virginia.
“It is never too late,” Shondra Watson Wilson said. “Every day is a learning experience, and whatever degree, or if it’s a certification, or if it’s something that you’re aspiring to do, go ahead and do it.”
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