Madison Reporter

On May 23, 92-year-old Sarah Wells will receive her high school diploma from Madison College after a journey filled with challenges and setbacks. Her daughter Mary's unwavering support played a crucial role in helping her mother achieve this milestone.

“I do not know how many times we have given each other high fives because she has done it,” Mary said. “Our family from coast to coast are proud of her accomplishment, and she is going to have the biggest cheering section ever.”

Wells is part of the small percentage of students who return to complete their high school education through Madison College’s GED/HSED programs. National statistics estimate that only 2% of students who drop out of high school eventually earn their degree.

Last month, Mary picked up her mother's graduation cap and gown. Wells expressed her excitement by trying on the blue gown and adjusting the cap over her hair. “I will have a lot of smiles on that day,” Wells said.

Wells moved to Madison in 1949 and left school at age 16 to help her mother, who worked as a cook at a sorority house. Despite struggling with severe asthma during her school years, Wells' academic aspirations never waned.

Last year, Wells met UW-Madison professor Sandra Adell at a memoir writing workshop for seniors. Adell encouraged her to pursue her educational goals. “She told me that it was never too late to get my paper, and that is what pushed me,” Wells recalled.

That same day, Wells asked her daughter to take her to Madison College to begin the process. “She is the matriarch of the family and always puts the needs of others above her own,” Mary said. “It has always been something that she has wanted to do, and I wanted to help her do it.”

Wells enrolled in classes at Madison College in spring 2023. Monique Billings, an advisor/transition specialist at the School of Academic Advancement, noted their motivation from the start: “I was inspired by Ms. Wells' determination and excited to support her through the process.”

The college's GED or HSED programs offer resources such as tutoring, childcare, mental health support, and financial services.

Wells attended virtual math and science classes twice a week for four hours each day. She found learning about topics like the Big Bang Theory particularly interesting this time around due to more personalized teaching methods.

“My mom has been out of school for 76 years; Tony [Cina] was able to relate to her and bring the lessons in a way she could easily understand,” Mary said about one instructor.

Wells will become the oldest student ever to earn an HSED at Madison College upon graduation. Reflecting on other pioneering Black women like Harriet Tubman inspires Wells as she reaches this milestone.

“It makes me feel that I am loved and that they care about me and want me to feel good about myself,” Wells said.

Family members are traveling from various locations for Wells' graduation ceremony while others will join virtually. She looks forward to celebrating with dinner and catching up with relatives.

Despite being in her ninth decade, Wells remains motivated: “I am happy and pleased with myself. I hope this story will inspire other people to get their education.” She plans on auditing college courses next with an interest in Botany among other subjects.

“I do not know where else I can go, but I am sure there is something else I can do,” she concluded.

___