LOCH SHELDRAKE- Forty years after last attending college, Smallwood resident Ramona Gray needed some extra courage going back to school. She found plenty in her son Trevon. After two years of attending SUNY Sullivan and taking many of the same courses, Ramona and Trevon Gray walked across the stage together at the College’s commencement May 13, 2023, both earning associate degrees in Business Administration and beaming with pride at their shared journey and accomplishments.
“It was scary to go back at 55, but having Trey with me made it so much easier and eventually super comfortable and even great,” said Ramona. “I wouldn’t have had that much courage to go back without him. It was nerve-racking to begin with but doing it with my son was extraordinarily exhilarating.”
“We are pretty close and going to school together was unlike the usual mom-son relationship,” said Trevon or “Trey,” a Monticello High School graduate, who was also a guard for the men’s Generals basketball team. “We were mom-son friends and classmates. We did assignments and homework together, and if either of us struggled, we could really help because we were both in it.”
Trey said attending college with his mom pushed him to work harder and do better. Ramona said her son made the experience less daunting.
“She showed me how to hand in quality work, push myself beyond the norm, and think outside my comfort zone,” said Trey, who added that he’s especially proud of his mom for graduating with honors. “I’m proud of myself but beyond proud of her! Graduating with my mom was extra amazing.”
“Being with Trey helped me feel young again and not out of place or awkward,” said Ramona. “I’ll be forever grateful, and I will hold this time close to me when he leaves home for the first time ever in August for his next chapter.”
The Grays both earned Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Business Administration. Ramona earned her degree…
Read the full article here