HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — College graduation is a big deal even in normal times – and the feeling of completion that walking across the stage to get a diploma is something that can rarely be replicated. During the coronavirus pandemic – it’s nearly impossible. One Northern Kentucky University alumna learned a lesson about how to celebrate with the help of her mother.
![Alize Oliver Graduation Picture.png](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/97c888e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x720+0+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Fea%2F04d3df2e48158742605f7eecda2d%2Falize-oliver-graduation-picture.png)
“Every accomplishment – even if it’s small – celebrate it,” Northern Kentucky University graduate Alize Oliver said.
If it’s big – live large with it. She made a video to share on social media to mark the happy occasion. Taking a moment to share the joy with others.
Oliver said she really wanted to get her diploma in person, but the ceremony was held virtually because of COVID-19.
![Alize Oliver's Graduation gown.png](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7d18fe9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x720+0+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F36%2Fcb2abdcc4882bebebe8b5006d55d%2Falize-olivers-graduation-gown.png)
“Well, when she found out she wasn't going to be able to walk – she started crying,” Alize’s mother, Tomeka Oliver, said. “It meant so much to me to be able to do something special for her.”
She wanted to recognize a great young woman and young mother who perservered through all her challenges. Alize finished school while taking care of her baby girl, Bailey.
![Alize Oliver and baby Bailey.png](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ebf61fa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x720+0+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fee%2Fb5%2Fb3e263714f5eb6e5514c1bca24df%2Falize-oliver-and-baby-bailey.png)
“When you have a little baby – I have to move things, can’t make things – shorten my time, come at a later time when I can get a sitter,” Alize Oliver said. “I finished and it's big. So sorry I said I wouldn't cry...but it's big. Like I said, I'm not doing it for myself anymore. I'm doing it for her.”
She expressed her feelings in a personalized mortarboard – with a painting of her and Bailey and a quote: "It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish."
She didn’t forget to acknowledge the village that helped her cross the finish line. They held a masked, socially-distanced gathering on Saturday, Dec. 12, to celebrate Alize’s 3.4 GPA and the spirit she showed in not giving up. For Alize Oliver, she hopes her daughter can learn a lesson from her struggles.
“No matter what life throws at her – she can do it – she can finish,” she said.
Alize currently has a job and is going back to school to get her Master’s degree.