In Birmingham, Alabama, a 78-year-old grandmother has risen to the occasion, fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a college graduate. 

Vivian Cunningham received her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Samford University, a private Christian university, on May 8, ABC News reported.  

"I was amazed. I really felt great." Cunningham said. "The only thing I can say is I was just elated. It feels good to be, you know, have gone through that educational process." 

While working in the 1960s, Cunningham took advantage of her job’s tuition reimbursement program to earn college credits over the decades, Southern Living magazine reported. But as a single parent, Cunningham, who is Black, said she was raising her two children and could only pursue her dream of going to college little by little. 

"It was tough for her, but us being young, we didn't really know," Cunningham's son, Donald, said. 

Cunningham, who said she loves to learn as much as she can, finally began taking classes at Samford once she retired in 1992. The entire journey took a total of six years, ABC News reported. 

Cunningham’s daughter, Tarra Barnes, 54, furthered her own education because of the determination she saw in her mother. 

"She was my inspiration and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D.," Barnes said. “I wholeheartedly appreciate her strength and influence on my life, and I am extremely proud of her."

Cunningham isn't the only one securing a degree later in life. A 70-year-old graduated with his Ph.D. in political science from Howard University this month, as Blavity previously reported. It, too, was his lifelong dream. 

Universities are seeing a comeback of students aged 50 and older, Forbes reported. According to a national survey from Champlain College Online, older working Americans are hoping to stay competitive in the workforce, starting a new career, or in Cunningham’s case, reaching a new goal.  

On ABC’s World News Tonight, Cunningham said she might just push her dreams further to pursue a master’s degree, WXHC reported.  

"I would like to tell all the viewers that if you have a dream, and you are passionate about that dream, pursue it," she said. "Don't let anyone tell you that it can't be done."

She went on to encourage others watching to believe in themselves and never give up no matter how out of reach their dream may appear. 

"Keep God in the plan and you'll make it," Cunningham said.

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