When Jean Matthews decided to finish her college journey at Harold Washington College, it had been more than 40 years since she’d been in the classroom. Still, she says her age hasn’t been a barrier to furthering her education.

“Everybody that I’ve met is so kind to me,” she said, referring to the Harold Washington College community. “All of the students, the faculty, the professors—they all reach out to me, give me so much encouragement, and make me feel so uplifted.”

Jean’s motivation to earn her degree stems from a simple desire—to help others. Her selfless attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed. Jean received a City Colleges of Chicago Luminary Award earlier this year based on her efforts to brighten her college community.

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