Earning a Degree at 58: Daronda’s Inspiring Journey with Vols Online
Everyone knows the phrase, “follow your dreams,” but for most, it’s a sentiment—a distant star to guide us, not a destination we honestly expect to reach. For Daronda Eakle, however, those words were a call to action. At 58 years old, she’s proving that dreams don’t have an expiration date as she works toward earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, through Vols Online.
Daronda graduated from high school in 1985. She had always wanted to earn her bachelor’s degree, but after having a baby at 20, she put that dream on hold. Over the next two decades, Daronda raised six children, including her youngest, who was born with Down syndrome and autism. She homeschooled her children for 23 years, devoting her energy to their education and development while balancing multiple professional roles. Professionally, she’s done a wide variety of jobs and tasks, from being a corporate trainer and running a business to teaching Latin and writing a book.
Despite her busy life, Daronda never gave up on her dream. From a young age, her grandfather inspired her by going back to school in his 50s to earn his master’s degree. She kept her eyes open, seeking opportunities to earn her bachelor’s degree, even after entering her 50s and becoming a grandmother. She knew the time would come when she could finally follow in her grandfather’s footsteps. In 2023, Daronda discovered Vols Online, where she could earn a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Programs.
“My goal is to graduate summa cum laude, so I can show all of my adult children that their momma isn’t too old to do hard things!”
– Daronda Eakle, class of 2026, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Programs
Daronda made that choice because her busy schedule at work and home made it impossible for her to attend classes in person. With an asynchronous format, her professors’ lectures were recorded, freeing her to watch them at her convenience. Whenever she had questions, she met with her instructors and advisor over Zoom to get them answered. By taking advantage of this flexibility, Daronda has been able to learn about the world through her Cultures & Societies concentration, further sharpening her already impressive study skills and time management skills.
In the middle of such a busy life, Daronda isn’t aiming to be average. As she keeps working towards her graduation in spring 2026, she has her eyes on the prize: “My goal is to graduate summa cum laude, so I can show all of my adult children that their momma isn’t too old to do hard things!”
Daronda’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She’s not just earning a degree—she’s inspiring everyone around her. She’s living proof that age is no barrier to ambition, and that with the right opportunity, anything is possible. And when that opportunity comes, as Daronda has shown, it’s never too late to seize it.
For More Information
Would you like more information about the online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Programs? Take the first step by completing and submitting a Request Information form on the program page.
