JENKINTOWN — Wandell Scott felt proud as she watched her six kids finish high school and get ready for prom. But despite her pride, she also felt a sense of emptiness.
In 1992, Scott was a second-year student at Roxborough High School when she got pregnant with her oldest child. The pregnancy was high risk, and doctors warned of potential miscarriage or permanent damage. Due to these risks, Scott left high school. She thought about going back after giving birth but continued to face mental and physical challenges.
“I wanted to finish school, but I felt like I couldn’t do it,” Scott said. “I was young and I started work. I had postpartum. I just didn’t go back.”
Scott worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. As she progressed in her career, not having a high school diploma held her back. Watching her kids go through school also inspired her to pursue her diploma.
In 2021, with four kids graduated and two still in high school, Scott made the decision to return to school. She first attended a night school through One Bright Ray and then enrolled in Northeast High School’s Educational Options Program.
Two years later, Scott’s six children sat in the front row and cheered as she received her high school diploma.
“My kids were my biggest support for going back to high school,” Scott said. “I don’t care how old or young you are, you can’t get anywhere without a high school diploma.”
College milestone
On May 16, Scott will be back walking across the stage again. She will receive her associate degree in Health Care Administration from Manor College.
Scott first learned about Manor College when her daughter, Jahkeera Williams, began looking at colleges in 2018.
“She was deciding between here and another school,” Scott said. “She got accepted to both but didn’t love the other school. Her eyes were fixed on Manor.”
When she was younger, Scott wanted to go to college to become a registered nurse. But after leaving high school, that dream was out of reach. Now, she works as a Health Unit Coordinator at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia.
“I love to be around people,” Scott said. “I love to provide them with help that others might not offer.”
Scott’s journey to her degree was challenging, and there were times when she thought about quitting college.
“I just felt like a lot was coming down on me,” Scott said. “I prayed to Allah and asked for help to get me through this.”
During tough times, Scott reached out to her professors — especially her advisor, Mary Sims, and Dr. Marti Trudeau. Scott recalls how Trudeau printed out assignments for her from Canvas when she had technology issues. Sims often encouraged her with kind words.
“Those ladies have been a great source of inspiration for me since I started college,” Scott said. “They understood me. They knew my work and they recognized my value. I can’t thank them enough for all they have done for me.”
Her biggest supporters
Most importantly, Scott's children continued to be her biggest supporters. When Scott had difficulties with homework or needed assistance studying for a test, her children would sit with her and read.
"I would remind myself, 'I must not give up. I need to make my kids proud of me,'" Scott stated. "I am looking forward to obtaining this degree. Now, my children are going to witness me graduating again."
Scott acknowledges the influence that her new college degree has.
"This degree has transformed my life, enabling me to pursue the career I desire," Scott explained. "I am overwhelmed with excitement. It thrills me to be able to attend college and obtain the degree I have always desired."
