Despite hardships, degree earned

Broken bones and illness slowed, but didn't not stop the 62-year-old's quest for her associate's degree.

By BREANNE GILPATRICK
Published May 4, 2005

	[Times photo: Brendan Fitterer]
	Zinia Sterling, 62, of Trilby smiles as she waits in line to check in for graduation alongside fellow associate of arts graduate Joan Gilsenan, left, before Pasco-Hernando Community College's Spring 2005 commencement Tuesday evening at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey.

NEW PORT RICHEY - Illness, broken bones, even hip replacement surgery weren't enough to keep 62-year-old Zinia Sterling from coming to class each day, even if she had to use a wheelchair or crutches.

"I've gone to school in crutches, a wheelchair, a cane and a walker," said Sterling, a Trilby resident. "I've had several students say with all the problems you've had, I would have quit by now. And I said, "No, I've waited to long for this.' "

In the five years she spent working on three certificates and her associate's degree at Pasco-Hernando Community College, Sterling has had a pneumonia, parathyroid problems, a broken heel, eight broken ribs and a hip replacement. But Tuesday night, Sterling joined about 225 students to accept her associate's degree at the school's graduation ceremony at the Jim Valentine Athletic Complex at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey. Approximately 233 degrees and certificates were conferred at the ceremony.

Sterling said her next goal is to obtain a bachelor's degree in archaeology.

"It's something I've always been interested," Sterling said. "As a kid I always watched a lot of mummy movies."

This summer she plans to look at different programs at the University of Tampa, University of South Florida and Saint Leo University.

All three of PHCC's past and present presidents joined in congratulating the students. This is the first year all three presidents have been actively involved in the ceremony, after an idea by current college president Katherine Johnson, said Lynn Rothman-Venus, PHCC spokeswoman.

"I know all of you are just waiting to make some noise as those tassels move from right to left," language arts professor Judith Deisler said to the crowd early in the ceremony, leading the crowd with a gold pompom to help them practice their cheers.

Robert Judson, the school's president emeritus, said Tuesday was a night for graduates to celebrate their hard work.

"In previous years I've always felt so proud when I would hear some small voice yell "Yea, Mom' or "Yea, Grandma' or "Yea, Grandpa' or whatever the case might be," Judson said. "I know everyone in this building is as proud of you as I am."

In addition to Sterling, several younger graduates walked across the stage to celebrate their achievement as well. Sueann Feldman, 19, obtained her associate's degree after being dual-enrolled at PHCC since her sophomore year at Spring Hill Christian Academy. And her family members sat in the gymnasium clutching bouquets of yellow and pink roses to cheer her on.

"She has had a lot of trauma," said her cousin Beckie Wyslotsky, 25. "She lost her father and her grandfather, and through all of that she still made it."

And while Wyslotsky and Sueann Feldman's mother, Colleen Feldman, 51, sat 11 rows behind the graduates, surrounded by a crowd of more than 1,100, other relatives sat a little bit closer.

April Wilkins, 52, of Port Richey got to sit right next to her daughter, 34-year-old Betty Cena, as she received her GED Tuesday. Mother and daughter went back to school at PHCC last summer study for their high school diplomas.

"I never really expected to (get my GED) and Betty said "Why don't we do it together?' " Wilkins said.

Then in November, the mother and daughter team took and passed the GED exam.

"When the certificate came in the mail it was great," Wilkins said. "I called Betty and she said "I haven't gotten mine yet, the mail hasn't come.' And I was on pins and needles to see if she had passed."

Wilkins said she and Cena plan to continue their education together as they begin work at PHCC for their associate's degrees. Wilkins said she hopes to someday own a bed and breakfast with Cena and her younger daughter, Angel Wall, 31.

Judy Parker, district board of trustees chairwoman, urged the graduates to pass on the skills they had learned at PHCC.

"Some of you have overcome unimaginable hardship to be here tonight," Parker said. "As other people have aided you in overcoming your hardship, I ask you to aid other people in overcoming theirs."

[Last modified May 4, 2005, 00:58:13]