It took her more than 40 years, but this Ontario grandmother finally finished high school
Cathy Ryan, 58, of Tillsonburg, Ont., says it was sheer folly that drove her to drop out of high school in 1981 — but it was persistence that kept Ryan going after she signed up for classes last year.
And in June, Ryan graduated from high school with an impressive report card.
“It just took me a lot longer than I expected,” said Ryan.
Ryan attended Woodstock Collegiate Institute from 1979 to 1981, but halfway through grade 11 she decided to work at a cafe instead. And when Ryan became a mother at age 19, going back to school seemed harder.
I’m surprised, but I actually did really well in all four courses,— High school graduate Cathy Ryan, 58
“I’ve always wanted to be a mom and a teacher,” said Ryan. “Unfortunately, the teachers’ part has now been disregarded,” she said.
Last year, Ryan decided that high school graduation was still within reach.
“Suddenly I decided it was time,” she said. Last November, Ryan began taking online courses through the Thames Valley District School Board’s continuing education program at the GA Wheable Center.
High marks across the board
As an adult student, it took Ryan just four eight-week courses to graduate. She took English, Mathematics for Work and Daily Life, Justice, Diversity and Social Justice, and Business Technology.
“It was all online,” said Ryan, who turned in her last assignment on June 22. “You had to be on for at least three hours a day. I was on from four to eight to nine hours a day.”
Ryan was the best in every class.
“It surprises me, but I actually did extremely well in all four courses,” said Ryan.
If Ryan turned in an assignment and wasn’t happy with the grade she got, she’d do it again. “I took feedback and redoed the work I messed up and then they raise your grade.”
Watch Cathy Ryan turn in her final assignment:
Cathy Ryan, 58, of Tillsonburg, Ont., turns in her last assignment and finally graduates from high school, more than 40 years after she started.
Still waiting for diploma
The whole thing has been a learning experience, not only for Ryan, but also for her three grandchildren.
“They’ve all been extremely proud,” she said. “I got high fives from everyone.”
“Often I heard my mother talking to her three young grandchildren about how she had homework like she did,” said Ryan’s daughter, Jessica Christo. “She was a constant reminder and role model to them about how important school is.”
Ryan is still waiting for her diploma. When it’s done, she has to go to London to pick it up.
“They’ve got a cap and a gown ready for you so you can get your picture taken with your degree,” said Ryan. “I’m still impressed, I think I’m still in the cloud, but I’m pretty proud of myself.”
London morning6:34Meet the 58-year-old grandmother who just graduated from high school
Tillsonburg’s Cathy Ryan never graduated from high school. But last year Cathy decided to give it another chance and she just finished her last course.
