After 39 years of setbacks and determination, Jackie Hill’s (pictured above right) dream of becoming a chef came true on Thursday when she graduated summa cum laude from Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) with an associate’s degree in culinary arts, reports Philly.com. With that amazing achievement, the 55 year-old Philadelphia mother and grandmother became the first in her family of ten to receive a degree.
“I have watched Jackie grow from being very tentative as an adult returning to school to a whole different level of poise and grace,” said Karen Stout, president of the school who spoke to Philly.com. “Hill’s story is like that of many other adult women,” Stout continues. “They are women needing to find themselves and build confidence.”
Growing up, Hill was daddy’s little girl and her father, a preacher, was her entire world. He was her cheering squad and made her feel that she could do anything. It was her father who bought her first Easy-Bake Oven and a chef was born. She fed her dad exquisite edible concoctions with that little oven and he promised to set her up in business one day. Tragically, that was not to be.
Hill’s world spiraled out of control quickly when her father passed away. The 16-year-old teen, stricken with grief, began “acting out.” She dropped out of high school, ran away from home, and then wound up pregnant. Four more children would soon follow.
“I have watched Jackie grow from being very tentative as an adult returning to school to a whole different level of poise and grace,” said Karen Stout, president of the school who spoke to Philly.com. “Hill’s story is like that of many other adult women,” Stout continues. “They are women needing to find themselves and build confidence.”
Growing up, Hill was daddy’s little girl and her father, a preacher, was her entire world. He was her cheering squad and made her feel that she could do anything. It was her father who bought her first Easy-Bake Oven and a chef was born. She fed her dad exquisite edible concoctions with that little oven and he promised to set her up in business one day. Tragically, that was not to be.
Hill’s world spiraled out of control quickly when her father passed away. The 16-year-old teen, stricken with grief, began “acting out.” She dropped out of high school, ran away from home, and then wound up pregnant. Four more children would soon follow.