Cathy Ryan quit school after 11th grade in 1981, but she went back to school last year and just finished her last two classes
Cathy Ryan, 58, of Tillsonburg, Ont., says that she dropped out of high school in 1981 because she was being stupid. However, Ryan says that it was her determination that kept her going after she signed up for classes last year.
And in June, Ryan finished high school with a good grade point average.
“It just took me a lot longer than I thought it would,” Ryan said.
Ryan went to Woodstock Collegiate Institute from 1979 to 1981, but she quit in the middle of Grade 11 to work at a cafe. When Ryan became a mother at age 19, it seemed harder for her to go back to school.
I can’t believe it, but I did very well in all four classes.Cathy Ryan, 58, has a high school diploma.
“I’ve always wanted to be a mom and a teacher,” said Ryan. She said, “Unfortunately, the teacher is no longer in the picture.”
Ryan decided last year that it was still possible for him to finish high school.
She said, “All of a sudden, I just decided it was time.” Ryan started taking online classes at the GA Wheable Centre in November through the Thames Valley District School Board’s program for continuing education.
High grades across the boar
Ryan only needed four eight-week courses to graduate because he was an older student.She took Business Technology, Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice, English, and Math for Work and Everyday Life.
“It was all done online,” Ryan said. On June 22, she turned in her last assignment. “You had to be on every day for at least three hours. I worked anywhere from four to eight or nine hours a day.
Ryan aced every class.
“I can’t believe it, but I did very well in all four classes.” said Ryan.
Ryan would do an assignment again if she turned it in and didn’t like the grade she got.”I listened to the feedback and did the work again. I made a mistake, so they raised my grade.”
Watch as Cathy Ryan turns in her last project:
Still waiting for diplom
Not just Ryan, but also her three grandchildren have learned a lot from the whole thing.
She said, “They’ve all been very proud.” “They all gave me high-fives.”
“I heard my mom tell her three young grandchildren many times that she had homework too,” said Jessica Christo, Ryan’s daughter.”She was a constant reminder and role model to them about how important school is.”
Still, Ryan doesn’t have her diploma yet. She will have to go to London to get it when it’s ready.
Ryan said, “They’ll have a cap and gown ready for you so you can hold your diploma in a picture.””I’m still in awe, I think I’m still in the cloud, but I’m quite proud of myself.”