Story About How A Post-It Note Inspired A Mother Of 7 Kids To Graduate College — As Valedictorian!
By Mike-Ross
Approximately 17 years ago, Ashley Payne confidently stood in front of her high school graduation audience, ready to deliver her valedictorian speech. Back then, her aspirations of becoming a nurse were brimming with promise. However, an unexpected health issue, a pulmonary embolism at age 18, interrupted her plans. Fortunately, she recovered but decided to change course, marrying her high school sweetheart and starting a family.
Fast forward eleven years, Ashley, now a mother of five children, was finally gearing up to pursue her dream of returning to college. Sadly, the passing of her mother profoundly impacted her. Her mother had always been her greatest supporter and cheerleader. Grief-stricken and overwhelmed, Ashley felt disheartened and doubted her ability to take on new responsibilities.
In a heartwarming turn of events, everything changed when she stumbled upon a Post-It note written by her 9-year-old daughter, Lorelai. The simple yet powerful message on that tiny paper was enough to reignite her spirit and give her the strength to embrace her dreams once more.
“Winners never quit, and quitters never win,” Lorelai wrote. “Aim for the moon, and if you miss, you may hit a star.”
Motivated by her daughter’s confidence in her, Ashley enrolled in Keiser University in Lakeland, Florida. She worked hard, as always, and even had two more children while she working towards her degree. She was back in class right away after having her babies, and four years later, all of her dedication paid off. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and became valedictorian for the second time!
Lorelai is 13 now, and she doesn’t even remember where she heard the phrases she wrote down on that note. But she does remember why she wrote it.
“I heard it somewhere, and that was the first thing that came to mind,” she recalled. “She set her goals and reached them. It inspired me to do the same in my own life.”
Ashley plans to continue on to earn a Master of Science degree in Nurse-Midwifery at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She hopes sharing her story inspires others to never give up on their own goals, never fear failure, and “aim for the moon” themselves.
She firmly believes she could not have achieved her goals without the support of her family and her strong religious faith. She credits this support system for enabling her to achieve her mission. She asserts that the only barriers we have in life are the ones we build ourselves.
“There is nothing holding you back,” said the new grad. “It might feel like it, but it’s perceived boundaries. Just surround yourself with people who care, that love you, that nourish your achievements, and you can do anything you want.”
This straightforward motivational note was all it took to ignite the fire in Ashley's heart. Her message about overcoming self-imposed barriers resonates deeply, and we genuinely hope this inspiring story reaches those who need to hear it!
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