�ǿմ�ý

Terry Brown’s route to �ǿմ�ý was unconventional. After growing up and living in New Orleans, she became a �ǿմ�ý transplant in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. But even after coming to �ǿմ�ý, it wasn’t likely that Terry would become the first of her seven siblings to earn a college degree.

Once her own children were through school, though, Terry decided it was time to get a degree for herself.

“It’s personal attainment. I already have a job and love my job,” she told the �ǿմ�ý World. “My kids were out of the way, and my grandkids are grown. It was time to do something for myself. Education was something I could do. I always wanted to say ‘I’m a college graduate.’ ”

Terry worked with TCC President and CEO Leigh B. Goodson at the OSU Center for Health Sciences, and that connection earned her special recognition from Goodson at Commencement on May 5 when she received an associate degree in Human Services.

“I always knew I wanted to do this. I knew I was smart enough to finish college, but there were obstacles in the way,” Terry said. “I say, if it’s a dream, go for it. You are never too old to learn.”