Louisiana woman earns master's degree at 54 despite being blind
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — One woman from Bossier City demonstrates that with support, anything is possible.
Three-time U.S. Olympian earns new title, graduates from LSUS
LaShawn Benita Harley-Hill, who is blind, recently earned her master's degree from Louisiana State University in Shreveport at the age of 54. Hill earned a degree in counseling, a success she attributes to her support system. 'It felt really amazing,' said Hill. 'It was an amazing feeling to know that all of my classmates were looking for me at graduation, and I got big hugs from classmates and LSUS staff. I got home that day, took my makeup off and just cried.'
Prior to graduation, things seemed to be an uphill battle for the LSUS graduate. Hill cried every day for a month after she went completely blind in January 2017. She felt like a burden because she couldn't drive and depended on others. 'My husband Columbus told me it's OK, it's not the end of the world, and that people go through what they go through. Just ask God for help, and we're going to get through this.'
Social media trolls can't dim Leona Gray's shine as she preps for SocialCon 2025
Hill has been married to her for nine years. After she lost her vision, he completely reorganized her closet and home so she would know where everything was located. Hill mentioned that her professors were also very understanding and allowed her additional time to complete assignments. Even the librarians assisted her by finding articles for her research topics when she had to write papers. Additionally, a mobility instructor helped Hill locate her classes at the beginning of each semester.
'There were times when I wanted to throw in the towel because there's a lot going on, but I didn't give up,' Harley-Hill said. Thanks to her support and determination, Hill completed her degree with a 3.9 GPA and is set to begin her career as a counselor with Pelican Bayou Counseling in Shreveport.
Hill hopes she can inspire everyone and wants people to know that just because things happen in life, you don't have to count yourself out.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Pride Social: Shreveport's free LGBTQ+ and allies event
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Shreveport's largest LGBTQ+ nightclub is hosting a free gathering for individuals to enjoy an evening filled with food, friendship, and connection. If you are new to the area, Central Station was formerly a train station built in 1910 and has been transformed into a multilevel venue for the queer, queer-questioning, and allies. On Tuesday, June 17, Central Station invites the community to their free event, 'Pride Social,' to celebrate connection and joy for all. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. ShrevePride's Q-Prom honors queer history, fashion and more 'This isn't about a show, a spotlight, or a stage. This is about community, connection, and coming together in a space where everyone is welcome just as they are. Whether you're proudly out, still figuring it out, or just here to support someone you love — you're invited,' details their post. The nightclub notes that food is provided. Nonprofit ShrevePride will also be in attendance to discuss their upcoming HAUS Party/Q-Prom. AJsCreations – handmade crafts (earrings, charms, keychains) Licensed counselor, Heather Goodman Central Station's entrance is located in the back parking lot at 1025 Marshall Street, Shreveport. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
Simone Biles Talks Career, Netflix Docuseries And Her Advice For Girls
Simone Biles attends Netflix's "Simone Biles Rising" FYSEE event at Hollywood Athletic Club on June ... More 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California. She is indisputably the greatest Olympian of our generation - so much so, that Simone Biles' competitive sport of gymnastics has named several unprecedented skills after the trailblazer. Earning a total of seven Olympic gold medals, two silver and two bronze for Team USA, the journey for Biles, 28, has not come without its setbacks. Authentically highlighted in her Netflix docuseries Simone Biles Rising, she experienced early on during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games what is commonly known within the gymnastics community as the 'twisties' - a mental block that disconnects an athlete's physical movements from their mind. After Biles chose to no longer continue in the competition, with all eyes on her as the clear favorite around the world, she was soon faced with a plethora of both praise and criticism for her actions. In Simone Biles Rising, the decorated gymnast gets to tell her story in her own words, as she took the time to focus on her mental & physical health, set aside society pressures and better prepare herself to confidently return for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in an impressive comeback, achieving three gold medals and one silver. This past Monday, Biles was in Hollywood, California to promote her docuseries at the Netflix FYSEE event. Following her celebrated gymnastics career thus far and since her time making Simone Biles Rising, I wondered what she has learned more about herself throughout this storytelling process. Biles said, 'I think how to be patient and things take time. I think we kind of forget that growing up because whenever you're younger, time doesn't seem as long, or we don't really have a timestamp on time. And so, it's just things take time, things come-and-go and to just relish in those moments.' Simone Biles during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games ... More at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo, Japan on July 27, 2021. Having competed in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, Biles actually does have a favorite Olympics. She said, 'I feel like they're all my favorites for different reasons, but I would definitely say my first one because that was the first time I ever went to the Olympics, and winning a team gold with my team - something I'll forever cherish.' Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian, Lauren Hernandez, Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas of Team USA pose for ... More photographs on the podium at the medal ceremony for the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For those who watch the four episodes of Simone Biles Rising, what does she hope that people take away from her sharing her decision-making, her determination and getting to hear her truth? 'Well, that I'm normal - I just have a very unnatural gift that I do and I love to compete. I love to do gymnastics, but at the end of the day, it shows the core of who I am - what my value is for, what I stand for, as well as just doing a side of gymnastics.' Simone Biles celebrates after competing in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's All-Around Final at the ... More Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Bercy Arena on August 1, 2024 in Paris, France. When Simon Biles Rising director Katie Walsh was asked for her thoughts about Biles, not only as a superstar gymnast, but as a human and a business leader, she said, 'Simone is one of my favorite humans, to be quite honest. Part of the reason we wanted to do this film was to show Simone, the person. Everybody knows Simone Biles, the athlete, but not everyone knows Simone, the person. She said that to me early on in one of our meetings - 'I just sometimes want to be Simone.' That was the thesis statement for the film and trying to show her as a well-rounded, full human being with life outside of the gym, with doubts and with insecurities - just like all of us normal humans, even though she's a super-human. Her ability to be a leader, not just on the gymnastics floor, but as an advocate, as a businesswoman, is something that you see woven into the film and then throughout her life.' Simone Biles and Katie Walsh speak on-stage during Netflix's FYSEE "Simone Biles Rising" event at ... More the Hollywood Athletic Club on June 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California. As for the next generation of female gymnasts and young girls who have come to look up to Biles, I was curious what advice she might have for these individuals to block out 'the noise' that can come from those around them and to steer their own path. Simone Biles and gymnasts representing the Wendy Hillard Gymnastics Foundation attend Netflix's ... More FYSEE "Simone Biles Rising" event at the Hollywood Athletic Club on June 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California. Biles said, 'Always dream big, then dream bigger after that, because you never know where your journey will take you - and to just stay headstrong. That's the most important thing. Reach out, get help - it's the most courageous you'll ever be. I'm here supporting you.'
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Time Business News
Unlocking the Myths: A Journey into Greek Mythology
Greek mythology is more than just a collection of ancient stories—it's a timeless lens into the fears, hopes, and imaginations of one of the most influential civilizations in history. Packed with epic heroes, wrathful gods, monstrous creatures, and moral lessons, Greek myths continue to captivate modern audiences through literature, film, art, and pop culture. At its core, Greek mythology is a body of myths and teachings that belonged to the ancient Greeks. These stories explained the origins of the world, the lives and adventures of gods and heroes, and the nature of the universe. Before there were science books or organized religion, mythology answered the big questions: Why do the seasons change? What happens after death? Why does lightning strike? Central to Greek mythology are the Olympian gods, who lived atop Mount Olympus. Each god ruled over different aspects of life and nature. Here are a few of the most famous: Zeus – King of the gods, god of the sky and thunder. – King of the gods, god of the sky and thunder. Hera – Goddess of marriage and family, and Zeus's often-jealous wife. – Goddess of marriage and family, and Zeus's often-jealous wife. Poseidon – God of the sea, known for his temper and his trident. – God of the sea, known for his temper and his trident. Athena – Goddess of wisdom and war, born fully grown from Zeus's head. – Goddess of wisdom and war, born fully grown from Zeus's head. Apollo – God of the sun, music, and prophecy. – God of the sun, music, and prophecy. Artemis – Goddess of the hunt and the moon, twin sister of Apollo. – Goddess of the hunt and the moon, twin sister of Apollo. Hades – Ruler of the underworld and god of the dead. These gods were powerful, but not perfect. They made mistakes, held grudges, and often interfered in human affairs—sometimes for good, sometimes not. Greek mythology also abounds with larger-than-life heroes who faced nearly impossible challenges: Hercules , known for his strength and his Twelve Labors. , known for his strength and his Twelve Labors. Odysseus , the clever hero of The Odyssey , who spent ten years trying to return home from the Trojan War. , the clever hero of , who spent ten years trying to return home from the Trojan War. Perseus , who slew the Gorgon Medusa and saved Andromeda. , who slew the Gorgon Medusa and saved Andromeda. Achilles, the nearly invincible warrior of The Iliad , whose only weak point was his heel. And what would heroes be without fearsome monsters to fight? From the half-bull Minotaur to the many-headed Hydra, these creatures symbolized the chaos and dangers of the world—both literal and symbolic. While many are familiar with the big names of Greek mythology, there are countless lesser-known figures whose stories are just as fascinating. One such figure is Erothtos, a mysterious and often overlooked character whose name occasionally appears in fragmented ancient texts. Some scholars interpret Erothtos as a symbol of unfulfilled desire or a spirit tied to forgotten rites of love and sacrifice—possibly linked to the broader family of Eros, the god of love. Though not as widely discussed as Aphrodite or Eros, Erothtos represents the deep well of forgotten myths that continue to intrigue historians and mythology enthusiasts. Exploring figures like Erothtos reveals how much of ancient Greek storytelling remains untapped, offering opportunities for new interpretations and rediscovery. Beyond entertainment, Greek myths carried deeper meanings. The myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun, warns against hubris (excessive pride). The story of Pandora's Box explores curiosity and the origin of suffering. The myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, critiques vanity. These stories weren't just about gods and monsters—they were mirrors held up to human nature. Greek mythology continues to shape modern culture. From movies like Clash of the Titans and Percy Jackson to references in psychology (like the Oedipus complex), the ancient myths still resonate. Even the names of the planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter—are rooted in Greco-Roman mythology. Greek mythology reminds us of the enduring power of storytelling. These ancient tales explore timeless themes—love, betrayal, courage, jealousy, fate—and help us better understand the human condition. In a world driven by science and technology, myths still offer something essential: the power of imagination. Curious to explore more? Dive into The Iliad and The Odyssey , which you can find on the website name Envyglide or check out modern retellings like Circe by Madeline Miller for a fresh take on old stories. And keep an eye out for lesser-known names like Erothtos—sometimes the most obscure myths hide the most fascinating truths. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
