COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Journey to Graduation: Meet Aliza Burton!
In a world where age is often seen as a barrier, Aliza Burton stands out as a beacon of inspiration to many. This remarkable 66-year-old is on the verge of reaching a milestone that many dream of: graduating with honors—specifically, magna cum laude—from the University of South Carolina this Monday! Talk about a second chance at a dream.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Aliza’s journey hasn’t been a walk in the park. When she first stepped into the world of college life nearly 48 years ago, things didn’t go as planned. With a heavy heart, she faced financial hardships, a nagging sense of self-doubt, and the weight of societal expectations pressing down on her. It was tough, and she wasn’t in the right headspace to thrive. But she made a promise to herself—a promise to one day finish her education. And that vow stuck with her, guiding her through life.
From Dreams to Reality
Life took Aliza on many twists and turns. At 26, she ventured into New York University, juggling full-time work while trying to study, but costly tuition meant she couldn’t complete her degree then. Fast forward to 2016, close to her sixties, and Aliza decided to give her dream another shot, taking on three classes every semester while working part-time.
In 2020, she relocated to the sunny state of South Carolina, where she discovered an exciting opportunity. Once she established residency, attending college became affordable—even free! With a renewed sense of purpose, she enrolled at USC as a sophomore, feeling ready to tackle the challenges of academia.
Inspiring Others Along the Way
Being the oldest in the classroom? No biggie for Aliza! With her confidence soaring, she remarked, “Nobody ever guesses that I’m 66, but it was fine. It was great, you know? I can talk to anybody about anything pretty much.” Indeed, she found a supportive community amongst her younger peers and professors. In fact, she found the experience delightful, as she described her instructors as “peer group(s) of professors. Both [were] actually pretty awesome.”
A Special Day Ahead
With graduation day fast approaching, Aliza has her closest supporters rallying around her. Two friends and her fiancé will be there to witness this momentous occasion in-person, while her daughter, mother, and brother will be cheering her on virtually. Her excitement is palpable, and yet little nerves are creeping in too. “I’m nervous, and I don’t know why. It’s just the culmination of a lot of years of hard work and putting myself out there, and now it’s done,” she shared.
The Future Beckons
After donning her cap and gown, Aliza has big plans! She’s not stopping here; she aims to continue writing, nurturing her creativity, and exploring several projects she’s passionate about. With a heart full of determination and a mind buzzing with ideas, who knows what’s next for this inspiring trailblazer?
The Final Word
Aliza Burton embodies a powerful message: “Just do it, you know, don’t limit yourself, never limit yourself. Always think of the possibilities.” Her story reminds us all to chase our dreams, no matter where life leads us. So let’s join together to celebrate her incredible journey and the bright future that awaits!
