Life has not always been easy for Erma Battle, but her determination has never wavered. At 76 years old, she recently completed the High School Equivalency program and is preparing to walk across the stage at Edgecombe Community College’s commencement ceremony.
Battle grew up during segregation and attended a small one-room school while living with her grandmother. In 1965, she left school after becoming pregnant and later moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked a variety of jobs including positions with Trailways, as a machine operator, cook, and door greeter.
After decades of challenges and personal loss, Battle returned to school determined to fulfill a promise she made to her mother—to finish her GED. With encouragement from instructors and fellow students, she completed the program and now continues taking classes while learning computer skills.
Her story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue education and achieve lifelong goals.