Graduations are the special time of the year since it is a time of an ending to a new beginning. For the Harris family, who lived in the southern suburban of Seattle, it is extra special because a mother and a son are graduating together as a member of the Class of 2016.
The mother, Enjoli Harris-Carter got pregnant back in 1997. She was already in senior high school back then in Renton High. If she were to be asked, she said that the biggest regret of her life was having to drop high school. She gave birth that same year in October to Elijah.
According to the news on Q13 Fox, Enjoli's life was colorful as it depicted how the school of life can teach one hard but valuable lesson. Her first born Elijah had asthma and she has to put him in the hospital. She also had another child after that, and on top of it, she had experienced and survived an abusive marriage.
On her own with her children, she tried to make ends meet. She found a new love and had two more children. She then decided to go back to school as she was inspired by her son to finish her high school degree.
At first, she was reluctant, because she wants the spotlight of graduation to her son, but Elijah saw things differently. He doesn't mind sharing the spotlight with his mom at all. When he was schooling, he had a 1.9 GPA as he went through studying traditional high school. It was only during his last term that he was able to receive a 3.62 GPA. He also thinks it's pretty awesome that his mother is taking the opportunity to study and do the best she can for her own education.
As for Enjoli, she went to finish the last 6 credits she needed in order to graduate. This she does in between taking online classes and managing her busy motherhood life.
Both mother and son are proud of each other. After 18 years, of hard work and dedication, they will both be commencement speakers at their graduation ceremony on June 23.
After graduation Enjoli plans to take up psychology while Elijah, as much as he likes computers, is planning on network administration for his major, and get a master degree.
Enjoli hopes to inspire others with their story. "No obstacle, no struggle, no trial has to hold you back," she says. Congratulations to these two!
To all the graduating class of 2016, here's a graduation song for you. Enjoy!
