Graduation season is probably one of the most feel-good times of the year after Christmas Day and that first warm summer night. It's uplifting to watch your loved one achieve a goal they've set and seen to the end.
Imagine how happy the Flennoy family is this year when they celebrated not one but five different graduates throughout three different generations. According to the Huffington Post, LaWanda Flennoy organized this photoshoot with photographer Darryl Hammond in Chicago to showcase that hard work pays off, no matter what. Flennoy's two older daughters graduated from college, her youngest daughter finished high school and her granddaughter graduated from kindergarten. The biggest inspiration of them all is LaWanda herself, who celebrated her own college graduation.
“The photo makes me feel proud, for a couple of reasons,” Flennoy told HuffPost. “First, that I have been a role model for these ladies and second, that they have set out and accomplished their goals. Graduating was not an easy task for any of us, as we’ve all had setbacks and feelings of uncertainty. But this year, we’ve conquered them all.”
Amari graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in industrial engineering and has accepted a position with Ford Motor Company. Paris graduated from Chicago State University with a degree in public relations and will go on to work for Apple. Jade will attend Illinois State University to study criminal justice and little Brooklyn is ready to conquer first grade in the Fall. As for LaWanda, she is set to graduate from South Suburban College with a degree in psychology later this month.
The photo appeared on Facebook page Because of Them We Can, where it has received close to 5,000 likes and 2,000 shares.
“I have always taught my girls that they can be whatever they want to be. A solid education and unwavering belief in themselves are great foundations for success,” Flennoy shared. “I hope people realize that with determination, focus and a good support system, anyone can meet their potential.”
Congratulations, ladies! Keep shining.
