After graduating high school in 1986, Angela Stribling鈥檚 life took an unexpected turn. Instead of heading straight to college as she had previously planned, she gave birth to her first child. But Angela never lost sight of the promise she had made to her late mother to finish her education.
鈥淚 knew I wanted to get that four-year degree, for my mom,鈥� Angela says, reflecting on the journey that brought her to Carlow. It was Carlow鈥檚 outreach program in the Hill District that first caught her attention. Designed for women like Angela, the program offered a supportive environment for those returning to school after time away. 鈥淚 was grateful for these individuals because they gave me the motivation to continue to move toward my journey.鈥澛�
Angela鈥檚 first two years at Carlow were spent at the Hill College, learning alongside other women. The experience helped Angela reconnect with her purpose and find confidence in herself. 鈥淥ur favorite term, and I’ll never forget, was 鈥榝ind your voice.鈥� When you’re younger, you don鈥檛 feel that you have this voice to speak to higher callings. I remembered that throughout my whole life.鈥�
When she transitioned to Carlow鈥檚 main campus, Angela pursued a degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. Along the way, she met inspiring faculty members like Freda Ellis and Dr. Morgan Lee, who encouraged her to stay the course, even when life presented challenges. She also built a strong network of peers who shared the same goal of finishing their education. 鈥淚t was just great meeting women from different walks of life, different age groups, and us having that same goal to want to finish our education.鈥澛�
Angela鈥檚 journey was far from smooth. She faced personal tragedies, including the loss of her brother and her father, which brought grief and hardship. But she remained focused on her goals, ultimately earning both her undergraduate and master鈥檚 degrees from Carlow. Angela credits the strength and resilience she gained at Carlow with helping her navigate difficult times. 鈥淥f course, there were different things that came in the midst of that to try to deter you from your purpose, but God’s plan is God’s plan.鈥�
Today, Angela is using the education and values she gained at Carlow to make a difference in her community. After running for office, she became a borough councilwoman for Swissvale, alongside her son, who also serves in local government. 鈥淚 never would have imagined this as part of God鈥檚 plan, but I鈥檓 a woman of service, and I serve wherever He needs me.鈥�
For Angela, the lessons she learned at Carlow鈥攁bout compassion, community, and self-worth鈥攁re at the heart of everything she does. 鈥淐arlow has definitely been in my thought process through everything that I鈥檝e accomplished,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 remember when you would drive on the parkway, and they had those billboards that said, 鈥楢t Carlow You Matter.鈥� I鈥檝e always kept that in the back of my mind because no matter what we go through, what we deal with, your life really does matter.鈥�