After decades of putting higher education off, two mother-daughter duos are set to graduate from Edward Waters College in Florida on Mother’s Day weekend.

Joyce Truett first enrolled in college 30 years ago. On May 7, she and her daughter Tiffany, who’s been trying to graduate for 10 years, will walk across the stage at the EWC commencement ceremony.

“I wanted to set an example for my daughter and let her know it is never too late,” said Truett.

Terrilyn Smith and Tarayla Slaughter will also graduate together.

“My favorite quote is by Confucius, ‘It doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop,’ Slaughter said. “I know this will be an accomplishment that will improve both of our lives.”

All four students were enrolled in the Credentials for Leadership in Management and Business program that will earn them a degree in business administration.

The 18-month program aims at helping students who already have some college credits and juggle work and families.

The classes are held once a week for 3 to 4 hours.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Foo Fighters closed out Shaky Knees 2024 at Central Park with extended versions of their biggest hits. The indie rock festival has moved to Piedmont Park for this weekend's event. (Ryan Fleisher for the AJC)

Credit: Ryan Fleisher

Featured

Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

Credit: NYT