TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Graduation is usually a family affair, but especially for one mother-daughter duo, who found paths at Florida A&M University.<\/p>\n
Tamara Carpenter was a single parent from Augusta, Georgia, who graduated from high school while pregnant with her daughter, Taciana Carpenter, and dreamed of becoming a nurse, FAMU wrote in a statement to WCTV Friday.<\/p>\n
![\"Tamara](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3SBNUOQ6JBF37LKNHQO2ZFBGSY.jpg\")
Tamara Carpenter was a single parent from Augusta, Georgia who graduated from high school while pregnant with her daughter, Taciana Carpenter, and dreamed of becoming a nurse, FAMU wrote in a statement to WCTV Friday.(Florida A&M University press release)<\/p>\n
The 43-year-old mother then enrolled at a community college and earned an associate nursing degree, according to the university.<\/p>\n
However, she \u201calways felt a lingering desire for more,\u201d FAMU said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI missed out on the full college experience and since I was pregnant with Taciana during my senior year in high school, my then advisors told me not to apply to college. I thought my time had passed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tamara Carpenter knew that her dream to become a nurse was not quite over yet.<\/p>\n
After more than 20 years working as a surgical technologist and earning an associate degree as a registered nurse, FAMU said she enrolled in the university\u2019s RN-to-BSN online program and began her courses in January.<\/p>\n
\u201cDetermined to make the most of an opportunity she thought had passed her by,\u201d Tamara Carpenter often sought help from her daughter, Taciana Carpenter, who had already navigated the HBCU\u2019s online learning platform, according to the university.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mom was calling me all the time, asking for help with her assignments,\u201d Taciana Carpenter said.<\/p>\n
More Tallahassee News<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old daughter turned her tassel in August, graduating with a psychology degree with aspirations to become a mental health counselor for veterans, per the university\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n
However, now it\u2019s her mother\u2019s turn to turn her own tassel. Tamara Carpenter is expected to graduate from FAMU on Friday evening. <\/p>\n
![\"Tamara](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FCSLR63TKZGHZH6GMPOTXALBIA.jpg\")
Tamara Carpenter was a single parent from Augusta, Georgia who graduated from high school while pregnant with her daughter, Taciana Carpenter, and dreamed of becoming a nurse, FAMU wrote in a statement to WCTV Friday.(Florida A&M University press release)<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait to celebrate my mom as she finally gets to walk across that stage and celebrate this achievement,\u201d Taciana Carpenter said.<\/p>\n
Taciana Carpenter encourages any mothers who may not be in school to go back and enroll.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an experience you both can cherish together,\u201d the daughter said. \u201cThere\u2019s a different level of support when you know someone is right there with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tamara Carpenter\u2019s youngest daughter, Nylah, has also shown interest in following her family\u2019s footsteps by attending the HBCU, according to the university\u2019s statement. <\/p>\n
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n