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Never Too Late: Tracy Rucker’s Journey to Graduation
Posted on Dec 05, 2024
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If you’ve attended a Fort Valley State University (FVSU) sporting event or stepped into the Financial Aid Office, you’ve likely met Tracy Rucker. With her warm smile and welcoming spirit, she’s more than just a familiar face on campus—she’s a mentor, a motivator, and now, an FVSU graduate.
For Tracy, this moment represents a dream realized, one that has been years in the making. A mother of four, a full-time university employee, a devoted wife to Leontray, and now a psychology graduate, she’s proof that determination and love can overcome any obstacle.
Tracy’s journey began in Fort Valley. A graduate of Peach County High School, she first enrolled at FVSU in 1996 with dreams of earning her degree. But life took a different turn, and she left in 1998 to raise her family. “I wasn’t ready back then,” she admits.
Years later, working in FVSU’s Financial Aid Office reignited her dream. “The more I worked here, the more I wanted to graduate from here,” Tracy shares. “I’ve always been proud of FVSU—it’s home. I wanted to finish where I started.”
Tracy is no stranger to hard work. She juggles daily responsibilities as a financial aid counselor, Federal Work-Study coordinator, financial liaison for athletics and scholarship coordinator. But those roles pale compared to her most important job: being a mother to Amorae’, Donjaveaus (DJ), Essence, and E’Lisha (Eli).
Her children have always been her motivation. “My kids are everything,” she says, her voice filled with pride. Amoure and DJ are both pursuing nursing degrees. Essence graduated from FVSU in 2022 with a psychology degree, and Eli is excelling in middle school.
Balancing work, school and family wasn’t easy. “I have a planner, and I plan it all out,” she says. “Homework during practices, cooking dinner, finishing my schoolwork late at night. And still showing up for university games and events. It was a lot, but it was worth it.”
Tracy’s openness about her journey has made her a beloved figure on campus. Students affectionately call her “Auntie,” “Momma T,” or “FA Auntie.” “I have an open-door policy,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be about financial aid—if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”
Her transparency, including sharing her experience of becoming a mother at 12 years old, has inspired others to persevere. “It’s never too late,” she says. “Delayed doesn’t mean denied. If I can do it, anyone can.”
Walking across the stage feels surreal for Tracy. “It’s weird, but in the best way,” she says with a laugh. “I almost didn’t want to walk, but my kids convinced me. They’re proud of me and I’m proud of myself. I needed to prove that I could do this—for them and for me.”
Tracy’s advice to others pursuing their dreams- “Take time for yourself. Breathe. Stay focused and keep pushing. To parents: do it for your kids, but also do it for yourself. You’re worth it.”
Tracy isn’t stopping here. She plans to become a “double Wildcat” by earning a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. “I’ve grown so much, and I’m excited for what’s next,” she says. “The journey is easier when you have a team rooting for you. My department, my family—they’ve been my biggest cheerleaders.”
As Tracy crosses the stage, she carries with her the love and support of her children, colleagues and Wildcat family. Her story is a testament to resilience, love, and the belief that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.
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