Brockton Great-Grandmother Set to Graduate from BSU

When fifth-grader Aixa Blackwell faces a challenging night of homework, she doesn’t have far to look for inspiration. That motivation comes from her great-grandmother, who has her own assignments as she nears the completion of a bachelor’s degree decades in the making.

“It’s inspiring to me because I’ve seen the improvement she’s making,” Aixa said of her great-grandmother, Sheryl Royster, ’26, a sociology major at Bridgewater State University.

Sheryl, 76, dabbled in higher education several times over the years, even earning an associate degree from Massasoit Community College. But the Brockton resident’s plans for a bachelor’s degree have always been derailed. Once, she dropped out to care for her mother, who was dying of cancer. Another time, she lacked the funds to complete a final year of classes.

Nevertheless, college remained in the back of her mind. When she took Aixa to a summer program for Brockton children at BSU, the former school cafeteria worker felt inspired to enroll as a student.

“I’m more enlightened. I’m not as critical. I’m more accepting,” she said of the effects of a Bridgewater education. “I’m like a sponge. Even at this age, I can soak it all up.”

Sheryl praised the support she received from faculty, including Kim MacInnis, Tina Mullone and Kevin McGowan. She also appreciated the patience of staff at the Academic Achievement Center.

In dance classes and a course on the chemistry of food, Sheryl easily connected with her much younger classmates. This summer, she will join traditional-aged BSU students on an interdisciplinary travel course to Barbados.

“I have met students 50 years younger than me that I fit in with very well,” said Sheryl, who minors in African American studies.

While she does not have any concrete long-term plans, she may end up back in a classroom as a student or even as a substitute teacher.

“It’s like I’m in Disney and I’m having fun and I’m gonna ride all the rides,” she said of being a college student. “Thanks for the opportunities, Bridgewater.”

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