Family Affair

This year's commencement was especially exciting for the Gaines family because they were celebrating the accomplishment of not one, but two GSU degrees.
Patricia Gaines, 41, of Richton Park received a master's degree in Media Communications and her daughter Crystal Gaines, 24, of Chicago received her bachelor's degree in Communications.
While Crystal plans to continue at GSU as a graduate student in the fall, Patricia has plans of seeking a PhD. in the very near future.
"This whole journey was filled with blood sweat and tears, but the entire process has empowered me to keep on going," said Patricia.
After giving birth to Crystal at 16 years of age, Patricia was forced to grow up fast.
"My number one focus was always my children. Even though my life was totally thrown off balance, I knew I had to push forward." Patricia said. "My children were told, constantly, from the time they could speak, that education is an important factor and you must go to college."
In 1996, Patricia returned to school and began taking classes at South Suburban College. She then went to Moraine Valley where she obtained an AAS degree before transferring to GSU to complete a four year degree in English.
"I had been out of school for 8 years, but I knew that the only way to excel in life was to seek an education. Education meant power," she said.
Patricia states that she is extremely proud of her children, her daughter Crystal who now as a mother understands that she sacrificed so that her and her sister's futures could be brighter, as well as her second born daughter, who is currently in route to finishing her degree next season at Moraine Valley College.
Crystal, an independent hip hop recording artist, performs all over Chicago, Memphis, Atlanta, and Mississippi. She goes by the name of Lady Pharroh and is currently working on her third project with London's very own Amon Tobin.
While Patricia supports all of her endeavors, Crystal says that her mother was most adamant about her getting an education.
She recalls her mother's early struggles and acknowledged that she truly admires her.
"I am so proud of my mother because she has endured a lot over the years. As a single mother, she worked hard to ensure that my sister and I were taken care of," Crystal said. "She went to Moraine Valley part time for 9 years while working 3 jobs to get her associates degree. That is how much education means to her."
She added, "Graduating with my mother was an honor and a privilege. It really meant a lot to me. I actually took two extra classes just so that I would be able to walk with her.
Patricia admits that she often felt pressured to perform well and set an example for her children because her parents had been great role models for her. She credits her wonderful parents for sticking with her through thick and thin and helping her to persevere.
"Overall, I feel blessed that I have made it this far. Nothing would be possible if it were not for the grace of God, my parents, a host of beautiful friends, and the wonderful staff, stemming from SSC, MVCC, and GSU. I salute you all for a job well done!"