April 19, 2021
It’s never too late. A sentiment Kenneth Frisbie, Jr. knows all too well. The spry 90-year-old is among the more than 3,000 graduates participating in Tallahassee Community College’s spring virtual commencement celebration.
“When I was young people used to say I would either be a preacher or a lawyer,” Frisbie said.
Frisbie began his second associate degree at TCC in the Paralegal/Legal Studies program in 2011. He is a testament of how the slow and steady wins the race. Frisbie could have spent his retirement years traveling but said he got inspired to return to college at church.
“One day I was talking to the kids about how important education was and my daughter was there [who works at TCC] and she said ‘dad you be in my office tomorrow morning’ and on that Monday morning I was registered for classes.”
Frisbie’s great granddaughter, Carra Whaley is currently enrolled at the College. Whaley said attending college with her great grandfather is inspirational. It’s also motivation for her to complete the associate degree in nursing program at TCC.
“I tell people all the time if my 90-year-old great grandfather can do it, you can do it, I can do it, anybody can do it,” Whaley said. “It’s really inspirational that he still is continuing his education especially at the age he is but also keeping his mind healthy.”
Although Frisbie said he won’t be working in any law offices following commencement, furthering his education allowed him to learn a great deal.
“I will make use of the information,” Frisbie said. “I learned a lot about the internet.”
Meanwhile, Morgan Bull is graduating from the associate degree in nursing program and gearing up for the workforce. Recently, Bull had the opportunity to serve in TCC’s Drive-thru COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic.
“We administered vaccines to the community and it was an amazing experience,” Bull said. “Getting to practice our skills not only, but getting to see how excited people were about getting the COVID-19 vaccine and contributing to this time in history.”
Contingent upon earning a passing NCLEX score, Bull plans to work as a cardiac nurse.
“I accepted a job at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital,” Bull said. “I am very excited! I’ve been waiting all my life practically since I was in diapers, back in preschool, that was my goal to be a nurse and now I am here and it’s pretty surreal.”
Tallahassee native Jayla Nickeo is looking forward to transitioning to a four-year university after completing her associate degree in psychology.
Nickeo actively involved on TCC’s campus served in many capacities at the College including the first-ever President’s Commission on Race and Ethnicity, manager at The Talon’s Market and being a student feature in the annual Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar.
Despite, holding many titles at TCC, Nickeo said working at the Talon’s Market, the free on-campus marketplace for students facing food insecurity, was most rewarding.
“I’ve met so many people who are so genuine and kind hearted,” Nickeo said. “I’ve made relationships with these people so I think that was my most memorable experience.”
Ultimately, Nickeo plans to earn a doctorate degree in psychology and become a child psychologist.
“TCC was the best decision I could’ve made,” Nickeo said. “They have so many opportunities and resources for students to excel and you truly will have a wonderful experience. The professors really care and want to help you advance.”
TCC’s virtual spring commencement celebration is scheduled for Friday, April 30, 6 p.m. at tcc.fl.edu/2021celebration.
Photos above:
1. Kenneth Frisbie, Jr.
2. Kenneth Frisbie, Jr. and Carra Whaley
3. TMH Vaccine Clinic Participants (L-R) Silienne Saint-Fleury and Morgan Bull
4. Jayla Nickeo