For Fayetteville native Zharria Fleetwood, earning a college degree was a milestone achievement. Sharing that accomplishment with her mother, AP Fleetwood, made the moment even more meaningful.
“It was really like a dream come true doing it with my best friend,” Zharria said.
- Advertisement -
“For us to do it together, it’s a memory that will last forever and one I don’t take for granted,” AP added.
For AP Fleetwood, the graduation represented far more than years of coursework. She became a mother at 23 and devoted herself to raising Zharria and her two siblings.
“I was involved in PTO. I coached track. I did everything they were involved in,” she said.
As a single parent, AP attempted to return to school several times, but balancing her children’s schedules and responsibilities made it difficult to continue.
“My kids were the force pushing me to do what I needed to do for them,” she said.
A few years ago, however, her children encouraged her to focus on her own goals.
“I asked them what they thought about me going back to school, and they said, ‘Mom, you should do something for yourself because you’re always doing something for someone else,’” AP recalled.
“She’s always done for my siblings and me, so it was a no-brainer,” Zharria said. “We told her to go ahead and do it.”
Inspired by that support, both women enrolled in online degree programs at Southern New Hampshire University.
AP said Zharria became her guide throughout the academic journey.
“I sat down with Zharria, and she became my advisor. We went through the classes together,” she said.
The two traveled 14 hours to Manchester to attend commencement ceremonies and receive their diplomas.
Zharria earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, while AP completed an associate degree in business administration.
“No matter how old you are or where you are on your journey, you can always do it,” Zharria said. “It’s never too late to go back.”
AP said watching her daughter cross the stage was especially emotional.
“To see her walk the stage and see the woman she’s becoming is amazing to me because I had a part in that,” she said. “I’m blessed to say Zharria is my daughter.”
Following graduation, Zharria hopes to work as a crime scene technician or juvenile counselor.
AP plans to launch a dog treat business inspired by the health needs of her grand-dog.
Their shared graduation serves as a testament to perseverance, family support, and the belief that it is never too late to pursue one’s goals.
