MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Graduation is a time for families and friends to celebrate a significant educational accomplishment.
At LeMoyne-Owen College one student stood out while also serving his country.
Khalif Patterson found himself taking classes during the pandemic. He told ABC 24 there were times he didn't think he would finish pursuing his degree.
"I just kept focusing on each semester at a time, and little by little
I got to my final destination. I reached my goal," Patterson said.
The 23-year-old earned his bachelor's degree in biology and graduated Magna Cum Lade.
Patterson while in school made history becoming the first to Commission through LeMoyne-Owen College ever as an active-duty officer.
"A lot of people really didn't understand what I was really going through at the time trying to balance and being the first one," he said.
The 2nd Lieutenant finished his degree while keeping up with his morning physical training multiple times a week, took care of his wife, and disabled mother.
"You know sometimes she wouldn't really feel well early in the morning when
I had times when I had to go to PT," Patterson said. "I probably really tried to make sure I got as much rest as possible on the nights before even if I had a test or a quiz."
Patterson's journey has been on his professor, Dr. Mekel Richardson from start to finish.
"Being on that stage and being able to give him a hug before he got to the president to receive his degree. That was one of the most heartwarming and special moments," Richardson said.
According to Patterson, he calls Richardson his school mom. It's a role she tells ABC 24 she has embraced especially witnessing Patterson make history.
"That's a huge, huge, huge accomplishment in it of itself. There were some tears that day from him and myself," Richardson said.
Patterson said he plans to pursue his master's then his PhD at Harvard University.