Surlina Aaron, MVC BA ’97, had no choice but to commit her life to the pursuit of knowledge – education is in her blood. Her great grandmother started a school for her community in the early 1900s, and it was Surlina’s mother’s dying wish that Surlina attend college. So at age 47, Surlina decided to complete her bachelor’s degree.
A fateful bus ride in 1993 found her chatting with her seatmate – a young woman who had attended Mount Vernon College (MVC). Though she had lived in D.C. for many years, Surlina had never heard of the all-women’s college in northwest Washington. That conversation changed her life’s path.
She enrolled and started her Computer Management Information Systems / Business Management degree in August 1993, and graduated in May 1997 at age 51. While at MVC, Surlina worked three full time jobs: auditor; administrator; and trainer/ senior analyst. She wrote ‘Introduction to Technology’ for USDA Graduate School in 1996.
“Every day at MVC made me a better person,” says Surlina. “I was being educated to be the best I could be.”
Fueled by her success at MVC, Surlina went on to complete two graduate-level degrees – a Master of Arts in education and Master of Educational Leadership. She graduated at the age of 61.
When asked for advice from adults who have not completed high school or college, Surlina offers, “Try one course. You will be surprised how that makes you feel inside. It gives you a sense of self pride that can move mountains.”
Today, Surlina is an active GW volunteer and participant in alumni activities in her hometown of Randallstown, MD. Through her actions, she hopes to inspire others to give back to GW however they feel comfortable – by volunteering, attending an event, or making a gift. She also talks about her time at MVC as much as possible, noting that she is walking proof that with a good education one can survive.
“There are great dreams in each of us,” she adds. “Make them happen.”
