Ashworth Celebrates 2020 Graduate of the Year: Dorothy Dilworth

Our alumni continue to impress and inspire us. We love hearing about the good you’re doing as you launch your careers to new heights after graduation. Here at Ashworth, we celebrate the success of our graduates through our Graduate of the Year contest. This year, we received over 100 Graduate of the Year submissions. While all of the applicants shared incredible achievements with us, one stood out from the rest. Join us in congratulating our 2020 Graduate of the Year, Dorothy Dilworth.

Dorothy Dilworth

A stay at home mom for a large portion of her life, Dorothy was inspired by her children to pursue higher education.

I felt I couldn't expect something from them if I wasn't going to do it myself, she said.

Dorothy used that motivation and enrolled in Ashworth College — a few times! Since 2013, she has completed four programs through the college. First earning her Associate Degree in Psychology, Dorothy chose to continue her education to make her a stand-out, well rounded job candidate. Since then, she’s also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies. This year, Dorothy completed her journey with Ashworth by earning an Undergraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management.

Now, Dorothy puts her degrees to work as a district aide with the Florida House of Representative in District 34.

The Psychology Degree has helped me with my empathy of wanting to help people and understanding the mindset of people, said Dorothy. The Paralegal Degree has [taught] me to understand the terminology of law, which helps with my current position. And the degree for Business Management and the Undergrad Certificate in Human Resource Management will help me when I choose to take the next step in my career with the Florida House of Representatives.

Working as a district aide, Dorothy helps the people in her community, something she’s passionate about.

I love helping people, it’s in my DNA, said Dorothy. I love being able to figure out problems and get those answers.

Outside of work, Dorothy continues to make her community a better place through volunteer efforts.

Now, Dorothy has a newfound love of learning. She credits Ashworth College for helping her grow on a personal and professional level, and recognizes she’s setting an example for her children.

Personally [Ashworth] has been everything to me, she said. I didn’t get my GED until i was 23...I realized I needed more. I needed to be able to tell my children and my future grandchildren that no matter what life gives you, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.