Mom, 73, Goes Back to School After Raising 3 Kids, Then Has Medical Scare While Getting Master’s Degree (Exclusive)

Although the path wasn’t always easy, and took longer than expected, a mom in Maine just got a master’s degree over a years after a suffering a stroke.

“It did not affect my cognitive powers or my determination to pursue my dreams,” Jules Hathaway, 73, tells PEOPLE.

In September 2023, Hathaway (who uses they/them pronouns) began experiencing stroke symptoms and was fortunate enough to realize what was happening in real time to know they needed to call 911.

Afterwards, although Hathaway felt mentally strong, the recovery process was difficult.

“I had to relearn stuff like walking and eating with utensils. I couldn’t hold a pencil with my formerly dominant hand,” Hathaway says. “Speech was a struggle. I knew what I wanted to say, but had a hard time shaping the syllables. I didn’t have much strength or stamina.”

Hathaway was also in the midst of their graduate program at the University of Maine, working towards achieving a master’s in student development in higher education.

Hathaway raised three children with their husband of nearly 40 years, Eugene, but as their kids “grew increasingly independent,” the mom started looking for jobs.

“It did not go well,” Hathaway says. “I had a gap in my work history big enough to drive a semi through.”

Then, about 15 years ago, Hathaway began volunteering with the college’s food pantry, the Black Bear Exchange.

“I found students gravitating toward me, trusting me, asking me questions on matters ranging from hook-ups to the existence of God,” Hathaway says. “The day I learned about the program, my heart was filled with joy. I could gain the skills I’d need to get my dream job.”

Following the stroke, Hathaway was even more determined to graduate.

“I start my mornings thanking God for the precious gift of that day,” they say. “I may never be who I used to be, but I love being who I am.”

Of course, those aren’t the only people to thank. Hathaway feels grateful for the staff members who supported them throughout the degree program, which normally takes two years, but took Hathaway seven years to finish due to their stroke and part-time student status.

Hathaway’s daughter Amber, a fellow UMaine alum, tells PEOPLE she wasn’t really shocked about her mom’s decision to enroll — Hathaway had always thought about going back to school, but just needed to find their “calling” first.

Meanwhile, Hathaway is happy to point out that as of May 10, the family has a total of 10 degrees from the university. “I’m following in their footsteps,” the proud grad says.

As for what’s next, Hathaway has a list of eight plans for the future, including looking for a student services job at the UMaine and finishing a manuscript about life following a stroke.

“I think many people, especially women, give up on dreams much too soon,” Hathaway says. “Society has a way of discouraging older people from being bold and free and taking risks and chances. As a society, we will [never] benefit from their gifts and talents when we stop limiting them. But I would say rarely instead of never.”