Two years ago, 15-year old Emma Earhart and her mom, 39-year-old Kathy Earhart began their journey at the University of North Texas at Denton, and on May 1 they’ll end it just as they started: together.
Two years ago, 15-year old Emma Earhart and her mom, 39-year-old Kathy Earhart began their journey at the University of North Texas at Denton, and on May 1 they'll end it just as they started: together.
"Every time people find out that we're mom and daughter going to class together, there's two reactions," Emma said. "Either, 'oh my God, I wish my mom would do that with me', or 'oh my God, I would hate that!"
The Earhart's will participate in the university's in-person commencement ceremony at Apogee Stadium, dripping with honor cords, on the first Saturday in May at 10:00 a.m.
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Their honors include induction in societies Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Sigma Pi, Sigma Alpha Pi, and Golden Key for Kathy Earhart. Emma Earhart is a member of three honor societies: Phi Sigma Pi, Sigma Alpha Pi, Golden Key and she made the UNT Dean’s List three times.
"If we're going off grades and GPA, she's the better student," Emma said pointing to her mother. "I think I'm finishing with a 3.84 GPA," Kathy said.
If Emma started college earlier than most, Kathy started later than the average student.
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"I'm actually a high school dropout with a GED," Kathy said. "It's never too young, never too late."
Their first step was attending North Central Texas College and obtaining their associate's degree, their second step was attending UNT to obtain their bachelor's degree in biology with minors in chemistry and psychology, and their next step is getting a masters and going to medical school.
“It is never too late to learn,” Kathy Earhart says. “It was scary going to college after 20 years, but I realized I’d never know if I could do it if I didn’t try. I am proud to attend UNT and be a part of such a diverse, loving, intelligent and passionate community. I am proud to have completed my degree despite the challenges I faced.”
