When Shenise Young stepped up to deliver her commencement speech, she represented more than just a graduating class—she represented resilience, transformation, and the power of second chances.
Shenise’s journey began at just 16, entering Central Piedmont wide-eyed and full of ambition. But life had other plans. Overwhelmed by new challenges and personal hardships, she left school to work full-time and raise her daughter. Her education paused, but her determination never faded.
đź’Ş A Triumphant Return
Years later, Shenise returned to Central Piedmont with a 0.827 GPA and a full life as a mother of two, wife, and full-time employee. Balancing it all, she refused to give up again. Over the next year, she:
- Took on 55 credit hours
- Joined the NC Scholars of Global Distinction
- Raised her GPA to 2.96
- Graduated with two degrees in arts and accounting & finance
🌟 “Although I was in love with the idea of college… it simply didn’t love me back,” Shenise once said. But she proved that love and perseverance can reshape any story.
🎯 What’s Next
Shenise is heading to North Carolina A&T to pursue an international accounting degree with plans to work in forensic accounting and teach community financial literacy.
Her message to fellow Trailblazers:
“See it through to the end… Life is for the living. And as long as we’ve got breath in our bodies, we still have an opportunity.”
👏 Let’s celebrate Shenise’s courage and success—a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.