SAN DIEGO, Calif. - When Carol "Spirit" Fabian graduated from high school in 1959, she never imagined she'd be walking across a college commencement stage more than six decades later. On May 21, the 85-year-old San Diego City College student did exactly that, earning her associate degree in Early Childhood Education and proving that the pursuit of a diploma has no expiration date.
Born in Long Island, New York, and raised in San Diego from the age of six months, Fabian spent much of her life building a full and remarkable life outside the classroom. She turned down a scholarship to the University of San Diego in her youth to pursue a career in fashion, later raised four sons as a single mother, became a certified drug and alcohol counselor, biked 500 miles through Africa at 65, and completed a 5K run for her 85th birthday. Through it all, a college degree remained unfinished business.
"I made a real commitment," said Fabian. "I said, 'I'm going to graduate from college before I'm 100.' And so I just started, one unit at a time."
Her connection to City College began through her youngest son, Pete, who enrolled there and thrived under professors he deeply admired. His enthusiasm planted a seed. Fabian eventually followed suit, navigating her studies while managing ADHD, and credits City College's support staff with helping her stay the course.
"Everything you need is there," she said. "If you're poor, you'll get financial aid. If you get sick, there's a doctor. If you need therapy, there's a therapist. And the professors, they're there because they love City. They love it."
After briefly exploring gerontology, Fabian returned to her first passion: young children. She plans to use her degree as a platform for child advocacy, with a focus on securing funding and respect for early childhood education, particularly for children ages zero to five, a period she describes as the most critical stage of brain development.
She is not done yet. After taking a year off to travel, Fabian intends to pursue a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and continue advocating for intergenerational approaches to family and community life.
Fabian, who adopted the name "Spirit" at age 80 to reflect her personal faith and identity, leaves future students with a simple message: "My life will be lived to the fullest until I take my last breath."
Caption: Carol "Spirit" Fabian, right, with San Diego City College President Ricky Shabazz at the 112th Commencement Ceremony at Spreckels Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park.