Editor’s Note: When Melody Delaney Martin walked across the stage on April 25 as valedictorian to accept her diploma during Strayer University’s commencement ceremony in Atlanta, she achieved a dream almost 30 years in the making. Like many working adults who decide to return to college to finish their degree, Martin, 46, had attended junior college and took evening courses sporadically while working full time, but had never fully committed to completing her degree. A conversation with her husband, Vann, four years ago prompted her to finish what she had started. Not only did she achieve her long-awaited Bachelor’s of Science in accounting, she maintained a 4.0 GPA to earn valedictorian honors and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Martin shares the following excerpts from her valedictorian speech.

In the weeks leading up to the commencement ceremony, I was faced with the task of preparing my first public speech. As I gathered my thoughts, the song “Life is a Highway” entered my mind. I considered the 720 graduates receiving their diplomas and the different “highways” or “life circumstances” that led us all to our common destination. I was confident that my fellow graduates felt as I did in that we had indeed been on a journey, and we were so proud to have reached our destination.

My journey began in 1980 as a graduate from South Natchez-Adams High School. During high school, I was a member of the Colonel’s Ladies and dreamed of becoming a Dixie Darling at the University of Southern Mississippi. Following graduation, however, I put those dreams on hold and joined the workforce.

As the “Business Award” recipient my senior year, I felt well-equipped to get a job. (Thank you, Ms. Wall, for two years of shorthand, and thank you, Ms. Curtis, for making bookkeeping interesting!) Deciding where I wanted to work was easy! I merely focused my attention on the prettiest building in the Natchez business district … a white building with grand columns.

The building housed Natchez First Federal Savings and Loan Association, and upon entering the building, I found myself standing face-to-face with its president, James J. Cole. I explained to Mr. Cole that I had just graduated high school, and I needed a job. He told me there were no openings but to be sure to check back with him. I thanked him and left. The following week I went to see Mr. Cole again explaining that I had returned just as he had suggested! Either from amusement or from admiration at my persistent nature (or both), Mr. Cole offered me a job as his personal secretary. (Yes, we were called secretaries 29 years ago …. not assistants.)

I worked for Mr. Cole for two years and then decided to attend junior college for my associates degree. Mr. Cole was supportive by saying, “Melody, do not stop until you have earned your bachelor’s degree.” Mr. Cole, thank you for believing in me and for encouraging me so many years ago.

Upon obtaining my associates degree in accounting, I was eager to rejoin the workforce.

The pursuit for my bachelor’s degree was limited to a few night classes, and eventually my priorities changed. The bachelor’s degree was ignored until the spring of 2005 when I told my husband that my biggest regret was never completing my college education. His simple response, “Why don’t you finish now?” was my motivation. Working full-time, I decided to take one online class per quarter, and I completed my degree requirements in December 2008. Thank you, Vann, for your endless support.

I was recently asked how I plan to use the degree I’ve just earned. I will use my degree as an inspiration to others that it is never too late to finish something you have started.

It is never too late to dream. It is never too late to turn dreams into reality. It is never too late to embark on a journey.

Life is a highway. Where will the highway take you next?

Melody Martin and her husband, Vann R. Martin, currently reside in Franklin, Tenn. Melody’s parents, Charles Sidney and Helen Delaney, and sister, Vivian Jackson, are Natchez residents.