By Ashley M. Williams
Trinity Times Correspondent

Some journeys take unexpected turns. For Intri Soul, a senior at Trinity Washington University and mother, the road to self-discovery began not in a classroom, but through the lens of her son’s challenges.

The 63-year-old is slated to receive her bachelor’s degree in human relations at Trinity’s May 16, 2025, commencement ceremony — a milestone decades in the making. Her higher education journey began in 1982 at the University of the District of Columbia, where she took one class per semester until 1985. Over the next 40 years, Soul periodically enrolled in courses until fall 2023, when she enrolled at Trinity to complete her final 45 credits.

The decision to return to college came after a profound realization sparked by her son, who has autism.

“He kept saying he had to struggle, and I kept thinking, ‘Well, so did I. But it’s okay,'” she said.

It was then that Soul recognized she had also experienced lifelong struggles that went unspoken — and possibly undiagnosed.

“My son showed me ‘me,'” she said, reflecting on the moment she began to consider whether she might also be on the autism spectrum.

With this insight, her purpose became clear. When her son hesitated to attend college, Soul stepped up.

“If I go back to school, perhaps it could show him that even though it would be a struggle for me, it could help him see that he could do it too,” she said.

Redefining the Nontraditional Student

Though often labeled a “nontraditional student,” Soul finds strength in the term — and in the community she has built at Trinity.

Trinity President Patricia McGuire and many other leaders in higher education, however, see it differently.

McGuire has noted that most students at Trinity might be considered “non-traditional,” and that the National Center for Education Statistics data says about 75% of undergraduates nationally have “non-traditional” characteristics. 

Still, Soul has embraced the label and found connection with fellow adult learners who juggle careers, families and personal growth alongside academics.

Cristina Lynch, assistant dean of Trinity’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies, sees this dedication firsthand.

“Serving as a role model for their kids is one of the most common reasons adults return to school,” Lynch said. “Many of our evening students come with laser-like focus. They know exactly why they’re here, and they know what they want to accomplish.”

Thomas Mostowy, dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies and a professor of criminal justice, agreed.

“I’ve had mothers, daughters, cousins and entire family networks come through,” Mostowy said. “It’s the power of word-of-mouth that keeps our programs thriving.”

Soul’s decision to return wasn’t just about finishing a degree. It was about proving to her son that success is possible through perseverance.

A Leap of Faith for Her Son

Though Soul has been her son’s guiding light, she credits him as her greatest inspiration. She knew the road would be tough, but her motivation was clear.

“If he can see me do it, then maybe he’ll know he can too,” she said. “Even if it’s hard. Especially if it’s hard.”

Each paper, exam and late night was a symbol of resilience — a message to her son that challenges are meant to be faced head-on.

Finding Belonging in the Classroom

Returning to the classroom after many years was daunting, but Soul found strength in forming connections with other students.

“I connected with older, nontraditional students, and those were the ones I gravitated to, and vice versa,” she said. “Trust me, your presence in the classroom is required. It’s needed, it’s wanted. We want to have that interaction. We want to build those connections.”

She called the classroom an “ecosystem,” where every student contributes to a shared learning experience.

Balancing Life with Faith and Google Calendars

Motherhood, academics and faith demand balance — and for Soul, it all begins at 4 a.m.

“Calendars,” she said with a laugh. “And I thank God — in the name of Jesus — for calendars.”

She uses the early morning hours for prayer, chores and schoolwork. Trinity’s digital tools and early-release assignments have helped her manage it all.

“Trinity has made it so easy for me because I do it all online,” she said. “I know when everything is due, and it allows me to do some of my work ahead of time. The professors who release coursework early — I love them!”

Still, time management remains a challenge.

“My only problem is, once I get started on something, figuring out how to stop so I can do something else,” she said, chuckling. “I had this research paper I worked on all day yesterday. I was supposed to be practicing piano too, but I couldn’t stop. So now I have to make time for that tonight.”

A New Legacy on the Horizon

With graduation just days away, Soul reflects on the meaning behind her journey.

“For me, this isn’t just about earning a degree,” she said. “It’s about showing my son that even when things are difficult, it’s worth the effort. It’s about teaching him that persistence is key.”

She credits Trinity’s support system — especially the Writing Center — for making her feel seen and buoyed, even during moments of solitude.

“Trinity has been so supportive,” she said. “I’ve never felt alone, even when I’ve been working on assignments alone online.”

More than just a personal achievement, Soul sees her degree as a shared triumph with her son — and an enduring legacy of perseverance.

“For my son, I want him to know that it’s okay to struggle,” she said. “What matters is that you keep moving forward. Even when it gets tough.”

From a mother with quiet hopes to a college graduate ready to inspire others, Soul’s story proves that it’s not the absence of struggle that defines a person — it’s the courage to keep going.