General Studies Graduate Inspired by Grandchildren to Accomplish Goals

April 23, 2025 

By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences 

When Tempy Douglas walked across the stage in December 2024 to receive her General Studies degree from the University of Louisville, it was the culmination of a journey that had begun nearly five decades earlier.   

As a grandmother, a former educator, and a recovering addict, Douglas returned to UofL with a singular purpose: to prove to herself and to her family that it was never too late to achieve a dream.  

A Longtime Goal Fulfilled  

"I have always wanted a degree from the University of Louisville," Douglas shared. "I went to UofL in the ’70s and I have always wanted to come back. Also, I am a grandmother, and my grandchildren inspired me. I wanted them to see —if granny can do it, we can do it."  

Douglas’s academic journey started with aspirations of becoming an attorney, but she found her true fit in General Studies, which gave her the space to fit classes into her evenings.   

"The flexibility of the program helped me balance life," she said. "I live close to campus, and I have been blessed to have some great instructors."  

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Community  

At 68 years old, Tempy found herself older than most of her classmates and many of her professors. But she never let that deter her.    

"The younger students were very helpful to me, and that was a blessing," she said. "I was blessed to have some great professors who cradled me, and whenever I needed help or got confused, they were there."   

One of the biggest challenges Douglas faced was adapting to technology.   

"Using a laptop, getting on the laptop, getting work done —that was tough," she admitted. "But I was blessed to have younger people share their technical knowledge with my wisdom."  

Her determination never wavered.   

"I was like the little engine that could, saying, 'I think I can, I think I can.' And then that turned into: 'I know I can.'"  

A Life of Impact and Strength  

Douglas’s story is not just one of academic achievement but also of personal triumph. She worked with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) for 28 years, much of that time with children on the autism spectrum. However, she also faced personal struggles, stepping away from her career for a period as she battled addiction. Now, she celebrates 21 years of sobriety.  

"I am a recovering addict," she said candidly. "The principal I worked with at the time was very sympathetic. He put two and two together and realized I was struggling. I will never forget the day he told me, with tears in his eyes, that he wanted to help me because his brother had died of an overdose."  

Douglas ultimately found her way back, surrounding herself with people who had turned their lives around.   

"That’s what I did," she said. "And in the end, I went back to the school and taught children with autism for 10 years. I don’t mind sharing my story because I can’t keep what I have unless I give it away. You do not have to die because of the disease of addiction."  

A Passion for Writing and Inspiring Others  

Douglas has also channeled her experiences into writing. In 2022, she published a book of affirmations titled I Am Willing, and God Is Able.   

 "Writing the book helped to inspire me," she said. "Because I was willing, and if I am willing, God is able. He was waiting for me to say, ‘I surrender.’"  

She later co-authored The Seven Secrets of Sisterhood with her adopted nieces from across the country, sharing her personal struggles with addiction. Now, she’s contemplating writing a third book to tell her full story, inspired by achieving her recent goal of earning her degree.   

"I want to help people," she said. "I want them to know —if we are willing, God is able."  

Encouraging Others to Follow Their Dreams  

For Douglas, her graduation is not the end of her journey but a stepping stone to continuing her mission of inspiring others.   

"I want to be an inspiration to people my age," she said. "I live in a senior building, and I encourage other residents to go back to school. My friend Paul lost his sight in the Army, and he wants to come back to UofL. I tell him that with people like Danielle Dolan in A&S Advising, and the Student Success Center, and the support of professors, it can be done."  

Her advice to other adult learners considering a return to school?   

"Just do it. Age is just a number. We have young people looking up to us, and we are looking up to them. There are advisors and professors who are willing to be there for you,” she said.  

For Douglas, earning her degree was more than just a personal accomplishment —it was a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of never giving up.