Grandmother, 74, Graduates College with Honors on the Same Day as Her Granddaughter

A grandmother and her granddaughter studied together and kept each other motivated. In a special moment, they graduated college on the same day.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many students were forced to rethink how they envisioned their graduation day in 2020. For one student, the year allowed her to study alongside her grandmother.

Melody Ormond and her then-74-year-old grandmother Pat Ormond attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The older woman had studied previously but only gained a few credits.

GRANDMOTHER NEEDED CONVINCING

In 2017, her granddaughter suggested that she join her in college. Melody said: "She's always loved learning. I just thought, come to college with me!" Grandmother Pat needed some convincing, and Melody managed to twist her arm.

All she needed to do was remind her grandmother that she was their family matriarch. The young student explained: "I told her she had the responsibility to stay inspiring to us, to all us other women in the family."

PROUD OF HER GRANDMOTHER

After considering a few things like pricing, she decided to enroll. Pat was fascinated by archeology, so her chosen major was anthropology. Her granddaughter, on the other hand, was interested in psychology.

Since the beginning, Melody adored having her grandmother at college. She boasted about it and explained:

"I've told people, 'Oh, Nana, she goes to school, my Nana. And everybody's always like, 'Oh wow, that's so cool.'"

ENJOYED COLLEGE

The pair occasionally bumped into each other on campus, but both made friends of their own. Pat enjoyed the field trips and getting to interact with students.

Melody was very proud of her grandmother for returning to school at her age. She expressed: "I always knew that I would go to college, always hoped I'd graduate. But I never expected Nana to be there with me."

OTHER OLDER STUDENTS

Other college students were also interested in the grandmother's journey. People would often ask her why she came back to college, and Melody would tell them, "if she can afford it, there's no reason for her not to."

Grandma Pat was not the only mature student on their campus. This is linked to the college's special rate for those over 65. A semester is only $70.

GRADUATING TOGETHER

After their three-year stint at the school, Melody and her grandmother were ready for their graduation ceremony. Their school held an open-air and socially distanced event. No guests were allowed, but at least Pat and Melody had each other.

Grandmother Pat credits her beloved Melody for completing the course, with honors to boot! Pat said: "She gave me the push when I needed it." The photos from their special day reflect the joy they experienced when reaching this significant milestone.