Tammy Tucker is a single mother of two teenage boys who holds down two jobs, leads a Bible study class, and participates in a prison ministry. Her schedule is not exactly brimming with spare time.

But busy or not, here she comes – to Amarillo College, where she will be a first-time freshman this fall at age 47.

“I thought this opportunity for me was long gone, but I prayed and put it in God’s hands” said Tammy, whose goals at AC are twofold: she intends to pursue a certificate in the Medical Data Specialist Program, while demonstrating to her sons the value and opportunities of higher education.

“I’m ready to better myself, to be a better mother,” she said. “My passion is to be a role model and example and the best mother I can be. The journey here was smooth – I’m excited about getting started.”

That start is approaching rapidly for Tammy as fall semester classes get under way on Monday, Aug. 22. Goodness knows what will keep her occupied until then.