Tylan Bailey was the head custodian at a Georgia elementary school, a position he held for 23 years. But after pursuing his dreams as an educator and fitting in college courses whenever he could, the former school janitor has earned his teaching degree and has his sights set on being a physical education instructor.
According to WSB-TV, Bailey kept a busy life during his recent years as a Hightower Elementary School janitor. Bailey would regularly arrive at the Dekalb County school around 5:30 AM, and rush off to his college classes in the afternoon.
Returned to college at 40 yrs old, graduated at 43 yrs old with a B.S.E in Health and Physical Education, minor in Special Education with honors “Cum Laude” #GSU21 #statenotsouthern #stateneversouthern @GeorgiaStateU pic.twitter.com/7WLKWRMYvD
— Tylan Bailey (@AllDaTime) May 5, 2021
That combined with studying for exams and homework made for a hectic schedule for Bailey, but nothing the dedicated school janitor wasn’t prepared for. “A lot of people around the building always ask me, when do I sleep?,” Bailey said to WSB-TV about juggling his work and studies.
All of Bailey’s hard work paid off when he graduated from north Dekalb County’s Georgia State University a couple of weeks ago, earning a B.S.E. in Health and Physical Education. The 43-year-old also minored in Special Education and graduated with honors. Now, Bailey plans on using his passion and skills to teach physical education.
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Hightower Elementary School Principal Sheila Price spoke about the school’s support of his huge accomplishment, telling WSB-TV “He’s the kind of person you want in your building, on your side. It’s a bittersweet moment because we love him and we want to keep him here. But we know this is a huge step and we support him. We’re here for him for whatever he needs.”
We’re so proud of his story! It’s truly never too late to go after your dreams, and Bailey is living proof.
