Sharlet Kennedy-Blalock determined that when the pandemic required her to stay at home, she would use her time to complete online the degree that she initially pursued at Cheyney University more than a decade ago. Now, 10 months later, she completed the remaining courses needed and is submitting the final paperwork to capture her work and life experience credits that will complete her degree and become a Cheyney graduate.

“I wanted to practice what I have been preaching to my kids by finishing school and getting a diploma,” said Kennedy-Blalock. “It was perfect timing to take advantage of the opportunity while having to stay at home and finish what I started.”

She was supposed to graduate from Cheyney in 2005 but was two courses short of her diploma. At that time, she decided to take a year off from her studies so she could work at a job that was offered to her. According to Kennedy-Blalock, life happened, and the two courses she needed to finish grew further out of reach, along with the additional requirements that were added to the course catalog over the years.

She wants current and future Cheyney students to know it is important to prioritize yourself and to make the most of being a student at the university.

“It’s okay to be selfish when the goal is education,” said Blalock. “Keep your eye on the prize and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.”