‘And now I’m here’: Teen earns doctorate from Arizona university
Updated: 10:59 PM CDT May 7, 2024
Dorothy Tillman, at just 18 years old, has earned a doctorate in behavioral health, marking another milestone in her extraordinary academic journey. “I got my associates going on 11 and my bachelor’s going on 13, my masters at 15,” said Tillman.In addition to her academic achievements, Tillman has also founded a leadership institute. The institute educates children in Tillman’s hometown of Chicago and West Africa about science, technology, engineering, art, and math. “I never really thought that this would be what it turned into. But once I started, you know, getting into higher education, I kind of just — every time I completed something I thought like, ‘What’s next?’ And now I’m here,” Tillman shared.She is determined to use her knowledge to make a difference. “I wanna find a way to kind of bridge that and start putting maybe integrated behavioral health into schools so people can start learning about such an important thing a lot younger,” she said.Tillman expressed her gratitude for the online program at Arizona State University (ASU) that supported her ambitious goals. She also expressed her desire to cheer on her classmates in their endeavors, regardless of what they aim to achieve. “If you know, you think you have it figured out and then you find out shortly after that that may not be the case. It happens like a lot throughout life and it’s just like a part of the process and to not forget that as you’re going through it, I think would be a good thing to remember,” Tillman advised. Ultimately, Tillman has not only earned her doctorate but also aims to use her education to make a significant impact, particularly in the field of behavioral health.
Dorothy Tillman, at just 18 years old, has earned a doctorate in behavioral health, marking another milestone in her extraordinary academic journey.
“I got my associates going on 11 and my bachelor’s going on 13, my masters at 15,” said Tillman.
In addition to her academic achievements, Tillman has also founded a leadership institute.
The institute educates children in Tillman’s hometown of Chicago and West Africa about science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
“I never really thought that this would be what it turned into. But once I started, you know, getting into higher education, I kind of just — every time I completed something I thought like, ‘What’s next?’ And now I’m here,” Tillman shared.
She is determined to use her knowledge to make a difference.
“I wanna find a way to kind of bridge that and start putting maybe integrated behavioral health into schools so people can start learning about such an important thing a lot younger,” she said.
Tillman expressed her gratitude for the online program at Arizona State University (ASU) that supported her ambitious goals.
She also expressed her desire to cheer on her classmates in their endeavors, regardless of what they aim to achieve.
“If you know, you think you have it figured out and then you find out shortly after that that may not be the case. It happens like a lot throughout life and it’s just like a part of the process and to not forget that as you’re going through it, I think would be a good thing to remember,” Tillman advised.
Ultimately, Tillman has not only earned her doctorate but also aims to use her education to make a significant impact, particularly in the field of behavioral health.
