So she can finally earn her degree, sons encourage mom to attend college with them

Madelyn McClarey knew her sons were headed for college, but she had no idea she would be going with them.

When it came time to choose a school, twins Aaron and Aubrey Hough picked Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. They lived in South Florida, and didn't like the idea of leaving their single mom behind. McClarey had worked hard to provide for her kids, and she'd always dreamed of finishing college, so it just made sense to the brothers that she attend Florida A&M, too. "I was really shocked, I laughed," she told the Tallahassee Democrat. "I knew we were really close, but I didn't expect them to react like that."

McClarey worked as a language coach at an elementary school, and was able to take a leave of absence. Her eldest son, Blake, was already going to college in Tallahassee, and she soon joined him at Tallahassee Community College. After earning her associate's degree with honors, she transferred to Florida A&M in 2016, and on Saturday, McClarey received her degree in English with a minor in education. Her sons are beyond proud and praised their mother for always making the best out of her situation. "We look out for each other," she said. "We are willing to wait our turn for great things to happen."

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