AU Spring commencement begins: Two grads’ inspiring stories

AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Starting Thursday, Augusta University will hold commencement ceremonies. Thursday is the Graduate and Hooding ceremony and Friday there will be two ceremonies for those earning undergraduate degrees.

NewsChannel 6 talked to a couple of graduates with inspiring stories. We talked to one young woman who is a first generation college student about her experience. We also spoke to one student who started her degree 30 years ago, but had to leave school because of forced bed rest during her pregnancy.

Paige Boutwell began her degree in the early 90’s. She was married and expecting a child when just before finals, at 24 weeks, she went into labor. She spent a week in the hospital and was forced to go on bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy.

Boutwell went on to have more children but always thought about going back to finish her degree. After the pandemic she did just that.

She wanted to continue her education degree but wasn’t able to because of her job schedule.

“And there was another option. I could get a degree in interdisciplinary science or interdisciplinary studies, something like that. But I opted for sociology, mainly because every single one of the classes they offer in person is available online. And so I was able to complete my degree 100% online,” Boutwell explained.

Rakiyah Lenon is a first generation college student- inspiring her siblings to pursue high education too. She is graduating with a Bachelors degree in Communication.

Lenon started college in the fall of 2020, taking online classes because of the pandemic. She loved writing and decided to pursue print news as a career.

Lenon interned at several local print publications before spending a summer with us in the WJBF newsroom. She said that despite being quiet and shy, the experience turned her interest from print to broadcast journalism.

Lenon is the student speaker for her ceremony and she has a message for her fellow graduates.

“So I really want to inspire everyone. I want everyone to recognize that what they’ve done is such an amazing accomplishment, especially coming out of such a different time, where the world is slightly different now. And, you know, it’s a great thing that we’ve obtained this education. It’s a really awesome experience. Like you should be very glad with the decision and the choices that you’ve made that brought you to this day,” said Lenon.

Both women tell NewsChannel 6 they couldn’t have done this without family and friends.

“I’m just very appreciative of my family. They’ve just been my biggest cheerleaders and I think they’re more proud of this than I am,” smiled Boutwell.

“Like, I couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone around me. I know that it’s a it’s a team effort. You know. Like they say, it takes a village to raise somebody. It really does. And I’m thankful for everyone who’s, kind of, inspired me. And I just want to do that same thing, inspire others,” Lenon said.

Boutwell is planning to get her Masters degree next, but is still deciding on a course of study.

After graduation, Lenon is looking for a job in journalism and considering earning a graduate degree to teach at the college level.

Thursday’s graduate and hooding ceremony will start at 6 p.m. Friday’s undergrad ceremonies will be at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

All will be held at the Augusta Marriott Convention Center in downtown Augusta.

Photojournalist: Dania Alawir.

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