Kerryann Nedd ‘20

magna cum laude

It is an honor to be recognized for my recent academic achievement and I do hope this would motivate others to take
that leap of faith to accomplish their goals. I am in my fifties and have obtained my bachelor’s degree in business
administration, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Stevenson University on May 20, 2020.

Leading and Following by Inspiration
Growing up, there was no motivation nor
encouragement from my family to strive for excellence,
to know importance of an education, or the rewards of
studying hard. I just knew I was expected to be in
school, not get into trouble, do my homework and my
chores and get a job. I fulfilled all of those expectations;
however, there was something lacking, since I did not
do well in school and felt I was a failure. I knew I did
not want my children to have my experience. I knew I
had to nurture and prepare them, so I supported,
motivated and encouraged my kids to strive for
excellence. I also felt that I had to lead by example to
give my children a more vivid picture of what I was
trying to instill. Though lacking in self- confidence and
scared out of my mind, I decided to enroll in community
college, and in 2002 graduated with an associate’s
degree in business marketing.
She has a drive and determination to succeed and she
makes it seem effortless. I watched her take care of her
family, her home, work full time and attend school. She
did it with such poise and grace, that I felt it can’t be
that difficult. Her children were younger than mine, so
why not.
Conclusion
As I bring this to a conclusion, I want to say to my
husband, my children; Keston, Keegan, Kelsey and
Krysten and to my dear friend Kizzy, thank you all for
giving me the courage and confidence to push through.
This is an awesome achievement and I am happy to
actually experience what my sons and my friend
experienced and I know my daughter is looking forward
to her own amazing experience.

Leading by example I must say, was well received by my

children; my oldest son graduated in Trinidad with O
Level and A Level passes and is now an associate at Port
Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, my second son
graduated from University of Maryland Eastern Shore
with a degree in mechanical engineering technology, my
third son graduated from Cornell University with a
degree in electrical engineering, and my daughter is
doing wonderful things at Emory University where she
is a rising junior majoring in nursing with a minor in
dance.

As I witnessed my children’s accomplishments, I

decided to go back to school again. It was tough and I
felt like quitting on many occasions, but with roles
reversed, my children encouraged and motivated me as
I did them. My daughter sometimes scolded me, “Mom
you are trying to be too perfect, that is why that paper
is so difficult to write, stop over thinking it.” My kids
were my biggest cheerleaders; however, my inspiration
also came from a friend of mine whom I really admire.