In an inspiring tale of resilience and determination, 96-year-old Violet Edwards, a Jamaican native living in Florida, has made history by becoming the fifth-oldest person globally to achieve a college degree.
Edwards graduated from Mercy College in New York City with an associate’s degree on June 25, 2022, boasting a remarkable 4.0 GPA, despite battling and triumphing over breast cancer during her studies.
Born on October 5, 1925, in Kensington, Jamaica, Edwards defied the odds from a young age. As the first student from her village to attend Happy Grove High School on a full academic scholarship, she navigated the challenges of World War II, persevering through the scarcity of basic school supplies.
Despite uncertainties surrounding her exams, Edwards passed with flying colors, setting the stage for her remarkable journey.
Following her schooling, Edwards forged a successful career in the Jamaica Postal Service, eventually making history as the first appointed Female Regional Inspector, overseeing select post offices across the island.
Upon relocating to the United States, she prioritized her daughter’s education, ensuring her success in medical school.
Today, her daughter, Christine Edwards, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., serves as the medical director at Florida Perinatal Center, LLC.
Edwards’s educational aspirations were temporarily deferred when financial constraints forced her to leave the College of New Rochelle in the early 1980s, just one year shy of completing her bachelor’s degree.
Undeterred, she dedicated herself to supporting her family, assisting her daughter in establishing her medical practice, and caring for her grandchildren.
Driven by an unwavering determination to fulfill her academic dreams, Edwards returned to college, enrolling in online courses at Mercy College.
Despite facing adversity, including a breast cancer diagnosis during her final year of studies, Edwards persevered, earning her associate of science degree with distinction.
Her indomitable spirit and remarkable achievement have garnered recognition from the Jamaican Consulate General, who honored her with a proclamation.
Edwards’s journey serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s dreams and achieving academic excellence.
Edwards’ story is proof of the power of resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
