For many, dreams get put on hold due to life’s responsibilities. But for Deborah Faye, giving up was never an option.
At 66 years old, after a 30-year break from school, she finally earned her nursing degree—a milestone that not only fulfilled a lifelong goal but also inspired millions after going viral on TikTok.
A Family Celebration That Inspired the World
Deborah’s journey was shared on The Tamron Hall Show, where she opened up about how her burning desire to finish her education never faded, despite prioritizing her family for decades.
Her granddaughter, who originally posted the viral clip, said the family was simply proud and wanted to share the moment with others.
“I just wanted to share the moment with everyone to let people know that it’s still possible. Whatever you wanna do, you can do it,” her granddaughter told Tamron Hall.
A Dream Deferred—But Not Denied
Deborah originally trained as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) while raising her two children, ensuring they had financial security.
However, after remarrying and becoming part of a blended family, she put her nursing school dreams on hold to focus on caregiving at home.
“It was a burning desire to finish,” she shared. “I believe God called me to do that. And I wanted to get more education so that I would understand the human body more and be able to help people.”
Her story resonates with many who feel they’ve put their own aspirations aside for the sake of others. But Deborah’s journey proves that it’s never too late to invest in yourself.
The Power of Perseverance
Her accomplishment not only motivated those in her own family but also strangers online who saw her TikTok moment. People flooded the comments with admiration, encouragement, and their own stories of pursuing dreams later in life.
Deborah’s journey is a reminder that age is not a limitation—it’s just another chapter in the story of resilience.
And if her story teaches anything, it’s this: if you have a goal, no matter how long it takes, go after it.
