Loretta Wiley (photo courtesy of Bailey Green/Louisiana Tech University)
A Bossier Parish woman is living proof that it’s never too late to fulfill your dreams. Loretta Wiley walked across the stage at Louisiana Tech to receive her master’s degree in counseling and guidance – at the age of 75. Faculty and fellow graduates gave Wiley a standing ovation as she walked across the stage at graduation, and Wiley says she’s very grateful.
“I thank God and my family, and all my instructors at Louisiana Tech, for supporting me and creating an environment where I can learn and giving me their support,” Wiley said.
Wiley started the program back in 2006, but life circumstances forced her away from the classroom two years later. Her desire to complete the program never wavered; and she went back to school following the death of her husband.
“I lost my husband in 2020 to COVID. I had a lot of time on my hands, and I didn’t want to. I just needed something to keep me stable and keep me on target,” Wiley explained.
In all, Wiley’s gap in her master’s program lasted more than ten years. As such, while she was able to carry over a small handful of credit hours she had previously earned, she had to take most of her core courses over again.
“My coursework for graduate school was two decades old. After five years, they suggest you take the courses over,” Wiley said.
The whole time, Wiley was serving as a substitute teacher at Bossier Parish Schools. She plans to continue substitute teaching while exploring new opportunities through counseling or mentoring.
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