Lanette Scott accepts her diploma
(Photo by Bob Knoght)

Companions on a journey, tutors and learners travel a road together. Their eyes are on that prize. Diligently they meet four, five or six hours a month, inching their way. And then, one glorious day, the learner claims the prize so tenaciously sought.

Lanette Scott received her prize this June, when the University of San Francisco awarded her the Bachelor of Arts in Politics degree. For myself, it was the grandest thrill to witness this achievement – to see her walking proudly down the aisle to receive the diploma. I knew how much hard work, tenacity, and diligence it required to be at that place in her life. I knew the hours spent preparing, researching, and writing. Our hours together were for me a pleasure. My part on this long journey was merely to facilitate, to encourage, and to develop the inner person. I knew without a moment’s doubt that Lanette was capable. Nothing would defeat her. Like a plant that flowers thanks to careful nurturing, Lanette turned a dream into reality.

When we met about two years ago, I, an octogenarian, reminded Lanette that I wasn’t getting younger. She must have taken seriously those words. Ceaselessly, without ever resting, she plowed through one course after another, spring, summer, fall and winter. I must confess that I too benefited from those courses in economics, art history, anthropology, and essay writing – just to mention a few.

The degree that Lanette earned by dint of so much effort is tribute to her tenacity. Undaunted, she tackled challenges with energy and fortitude. And she did so while carrying out the responsibilities of a full-time job.

With equal zeal, Lanette is ready to embark on her next big adventure. She has been accepted to the USF School of Law. And even though I haven’t gotten younger, I hope I will be there for the next graduation ceremony.

Lanette tells us: “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of my tutor Lucille. She believed in me even when I didn’t. Her encouragement and motivation is what got me through my last gruesome year. I’ve learned that with hard work and dedication I can be anything I choose.”