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Son Inspires Parents To Go Back To School, Proudly Shares Their Graduation Photo

December 9, 2016

Charles L. Cole III could not be more proud of his parents' latest accomplishment.

Charles L. Cole Jr. and his wife Renaté both graduated from Sacramento Theological Seminary on December 3.

via Twitter

It's been a long, hard road for Cole III's parents. After battling crack addictions, the two eventually became sober and were inspired by their son to finish college.

Cole III, 33, obtained his bachelor's degree in political science from California State University, East Bay, before earning his master's degree from San Francisco State University. He's now earning his doctorate in Educational Leadership at San Francisco State.

"Our son is a go-getter," the elder Cole told ABC News. "By seeing his energy [and] his drive to just do it that kind of pushes us."

The elder Cole added that both he and his wife thought, "Well, if he can do it, we can do it too. We embedded this in him."

Renaté told ABC News that among other challenges brought on by raising a family, their educational dreams were put on hold due to addiction. The two have now been sober for more than two decades.

Both said they hope to use their degrees to further their ministry, particularly in helping homeless veterans. They're both on the ministerial staff at The Light Christian Church in Sacramento, and hope to start their own church after obtaining their doctorates.