While most 14-year-olds are preparing to graduate middle school or finish their first year in high school, an Oklahoma teenager is slated to graduate from two colleges with honors this month.
On Saturday, May 14, Shania Muhammad made history as the youngest student to earn an associate’s degree from Oklahoma Community College. According to reports, she is also scheduled to graduate from Langston University later this month.
Shania, who was homeschooled, started Oklahoma Community College at 13 years old. Her parents pushed her to elevate her education goals and strive for excellence.
“We have over 150 medals, over 50 trophies, we have over 100 academic awards as well,” Shania’s father, Elijah Muhammad, said.
Shania first made history as the youngest student at the University of Oklahoma. After one semester, she decided to enroll at her parent’s alma mater, Langston University, the state’s only HBCU. She plans to further her education at Langston and obtain a bachelor’s degree in family consumer science and a minor in plant soil science.
The teen then wants to head back to the University of Oklahoma to pursue a master’s degree in business administration. On Saturday, she received an associate’s degree in diversified studies from Oklahoma Community College.
“I actually experienced and enjoyed Langston. It felt like I was at home [away] from home,” Shania said. “I don’t feel judged. It’s like we understood where we came from.”
Shania hopes to inspire others as well. She has written a book titled “Read, Write, Listen” about her journey to become one of the youngest Black college students in the country. She also started a clothing line called Smart Girl.
Shania’s best advice for young scholars is “always be prepared for your biggest opportunity.”
She said, “Don’t let your age be the ceiling to your potential, and I really want to push that. You cannot let that be a barrier to your life. It’s like I was in the seventh grade, and the whole time I was on the collegiate level; I just didn’t know it.”
Shania’s 12-year brother is following in her footsteps. He will start cybersecurity classes at Oklahoma City Community College in the fall.
“If we put the same passion and intensity that we do into sports into education, you achieve the same result,” Shania said.
