A remarkable story of dedication and family pride unfolded recently at SUNY Cortland, where a mother and daughter celebrated their graduation on the same stage. Alicia Wyckoff, 48, and her 22-year-old daughter, Kayla, both earned master’s degrees in childhood education, marking a significant milestone in their lives and a testament to their enduring commitment to education.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Mom-and-Daughter-Graduate-Together-052126-1-be5b412c676b4cdbb0a035f859f1c677.jpg)
The graduation ceremony took place on 15th May, with Kayla exclaiming, “That’s my mum!” as she proudly cheered for her mother, who was graduating just moments before her own name was announced. The event, significant as it was, highlighted a unique bond between the two women, who share a common goal of becoming educators.
Alicia Wyckoff has had a long-standing affiliation with the field of education. Over twenty years ago, she earned an associate’s degree from one of the State University of New York systems before embarking on a career as an administrative assistant within the Union-Endicott School District, a role she held for 19 years. In 2024, she resumed her studies, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in human development. However, it wasn’t until Kayla chose to attend SUNY Cortland, the same university where Alicia’s mother, Janice Strauss, worked as a student teaching supervisor, that Alicia contemplated pursuing her master’s degree.
“My daughter’s passion for teaching inspired me to follow my own dream of earning a master’s degree in education,” Alicia reflected, stating that observing Kayla’s commitment rekindled her enthusiasm for education and the notion that learning is a lifelong journey. She emphasised, “Together we are proving that it is never too late to inspire others through teaching.”
The special day was further commemorated by the decorations adorning their caps, a personal touch that added to their celebration. Alicia expressed pride not only in her own accomplishments but also in the ways Kayla has shown compassion and leadership, particularly in her role helping their two younger sisters, who are both 8 and 11 years old and diagnosed with autism.
Both Alicia and Kayla enrolled in SUNY Cortland’s accelerated online Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) programme. Prior to graduation, Alicia completed her student-teaching requirements, while Kayla has plans to undertake her student teaching in the upcoming autumn term. With a heartfelt commitment to nurturing young minds, Alicia stated her ambition to create a more equitable educational experience for her younger daughters.
Kayla envisions a similar path, expressing her desire to work alongside her mother in the education field. She articulated a strong aspiration to instil values of kindness and empathy in her future students. “I think we both hope to teach our students to be kind and care for everyone,” she remarked, reiterating her goal to foster inclusivity in the classroom.
The mutual support and inspiration shared between Alicia and Kayla exemplifies a powerful family narrative rooted in education. They both recognise the significance of treating others with compassion and respect—values they intend to weave into their teaching practices.
In a world where continuous learning is essential, the story of Alicia and Kayla Wyckoff stands as a poignant reminder of the connections between familial bonds, education, and the impact of mentorship. Their journey encourages others to pursue their passions no matter the challenges faced along the way. As they embark on their professional teaching careers, both mother and daughter hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students while honouring the spirit of education that runs deep within their family.