Danielle Metz was only granted clemency from President Barack Obama in 2016. In the three years since, she has enrolled in university and because of her efforts, can officially call herself a dean's list student.

USA Today reports that Metz was only 26 years old when she was given three life sentences in addition to 20 years in prison for her involvement in a cocaine distribution ring led by her husband. Per the news site, at least 23 people died because of her spouse. He and his associates were detained in 1992, and Metz was arrested a year later. Even though she was never found guilty of possession or inciting any violence, Metz believed at most she would receive a citation. In an attempt to discourage others from following her path, the jury found her liable and therefore implanted the harsh sentence.

A beauty school student at the time, Metz did not let her misfortune dent her desire to receive an education. During her time at the Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin, California, she enrolled in computer courses and general education seminars, earning her GED in 1996.

"I never thought I'd be in prison serving a life sentence, but I am, and I never thought I would get my GED, but I did," the scholar wrote in a journal she kept while incarcerated. "Now I'm in prison fighting, trying to win my freedom back. I don't know how I will do it. All I know is it will be done."

After 23 years behind bars, former President Barack Obama granted Metz clemency through his commitment to release nonviolent narcotic offenders. Obama also approved an initiative that would permit incarcerated scholars to pay for an undergraduate degree using Pell Grants. 

Upon returning to New Orleans, Metz lived in a halfway home and accepted a role with Catholic Charities packing food boxed for senior citizens through AmeriCorps. One major benefit of her new role was a $2,200 scholarship she could use toward a college degree. 

It wasn't long before Metz enrolled at Southern University New Orleans (SUNO), an HBCU in her hometown, to study social work. After meeting with another SUNO student and the admissions counselor and completing the required exams and applications, she was on her way to achieving a lifelong goal. In just her second semester as a student, Metz made the dean's list with a 3.75 GPA.

"Now here I am outside in society living my best life," Metz said to a group of graduates in February. "I love the fact that I can just ride down the streets of New Orleans and get me a hot sausage sandwich or yaki mein. But what I value most is my education." 

She added this personal note to 44, whose decision to orchestrate her release changed her life for the better.

"You don't know what you did for me," she says she would tell Obama if ever given the chance. "I'm finally coming into my own. I made the honor roll."

While it's unclear if Obama is aware of Metz's current success, this opportunity to become what she had always envisioned proves it's never too late to change the trajectory of your life.