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Keisha Dukes

@modesty38

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✨🌟 KEISHA💫🌟
AA
BS
St. Petersburg College Alumni 🎓
MBA- Eastern University Alumni 🎓
JM Candidate- FSU 🏫

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As a mother, I’ve been blessed with eight children, eight different personalities, eight unique journeys, and eight sets of dreams.
Along the way, there were eight report cards, eight schedules, eight sets of challenges, “both in school and real life” than I can count.

Today, I celebrate something incredible!

This moment isn’t just about graduation. Each of my children took a different path, learned lessons in their own way, and overcame obstacles unique to them. Yet they all arrived at the same destination…THIS MILESTONE.
To my children, I’m proud‼️ Not just because you earned a diploma, but because you kept going when things were difficult. You have shown that success doesn’t look the same for everyone, but hard work and commitment always matter.

And for this mom, it’s a blessing beyond measures.
EIGHT FOR EIGHT… #Thelastrodeo ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎉🎓 by @modesty38

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5 months ago

If you asked me about growing up and being the child that no one had to worry about, I’d say “it’s a blessing being trusted and being the one that everyone believed in”.
But, on a deeper level...
I’d tell you that sometimes it felt like my struggles went unnoticed because people assumed that I could handle everything. They saw me holding it together and took it for ease. But just because I made it look easy, doesn’t mean it was.
I’d tell you that academically, I had to push through school by myself. No extra motivation, no check-ins, no “you can do this” speeches. Just me, convincing myself that failure wasn’t an option because if I crumbled, who was going to hold me up?
I’d tell you that I still failed, yet later redeemed myself in life.
I’d tell you that sometimes I craved the kind of softness and reassurance that my siblings, or even my friends received. The random “Are you okay?” The gentle, “I’m proud of you.”
I’d tell you that it’s both an honor and a weight, carrying that title. Being independent, reliable, responsible: it’s something to be proud of. But it’s also exhausting. And, sometimes I wanted to put it down.
I’d tell you that “we didn’t have to worry about you” turned into “why don’t you ask for help?” Well... because I learned early on that help wasn’t something freely given. So, I didn’t ask.
I’d tell you that people saying “you’ve always been so mature for your age” isn’t the compliment they think it is. Maturity wasn’t a choice; IT WAS A NECESSITY. I wish I had the privilege of just being a child. I wish I hadn’t learned to be responsible so soon.
I’d tell you that being perceived as strong made me lie about being strong, even when I wasn’t. But when people expect you to be okay, you learn to perform okay.
I’d tell you that even though I had adults around me, I basically raised myself. And if I turned out fine, it wasn’t because of discipline or the structure that was “instilled” in me. It was me, making conscious efforts to be someone I could be proud of. Me, figuring life out on my own terms. This is proof that God’s Grace is sufficient.

JUST REFLECTING… 7 for 8, Lord I thank you‼️❤️🙏🏾🥹 by @modesty38

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a year ago

Today I did a thing…. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Policy & Administration.
Who would’ve thought that a mom of 8 would beat what society labeled me to be, A STATISTIC. I did it with honors, I did it with two jobs, I did it while still raising children. I did it while battling some of the toughest battles in my life, with tears in my eyes, and the weight of the world on my shoulders…I DID IT‼️
And to my children; all of you deserve to have a mom that you can brag about. Even in my imperfections, I will continue striving to become the best version of “MOM” in your eyes. #MastersDegreeLoading 🎓🎉❤️ by @modesty38

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2 years ago

Location tonight… OUTSIDE❣️ by @modesty38

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2 months ago

Today is the beginning of Leah’s HBCU journey.
Stay focused, have fun, enjoy your experience, and remember your “WHY”! 📣🧡💙🐅

#SavannahStateUniversity #GoTigers #CheerLife by @modesty38

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3 months ago

Sending 18 Birthday wishes to the youngest of my crew, Lyric & Leah!
Wishing you both the best of everything that the world has to offer you,

Love Mommy❣️🎉🎉🎊🎊🎂🎂 by @modesty38

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3 months ago

This is what “COMMUNITY LOOKS LIKE”… showing up for the next generation. Yesterday, IT Bail Bonds company blessed 25 high school graduates with $100 each‼️
Not because they had to, but because they wanted to invest in their future. Small acts of generosity can make a big impact, reminding our young people that their community sees them, supports them, and believes in their success. Congratulations to all the graduates, and thank you to those who give back and help build a stronger community. 🫶🏾🙌🏾 @i.tbailbonds by @modesty38

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4 months ago

Life lately… ❣️

Live out loud because once your number is called, the only thing that’s left is memories.

June be good to me. by @modesty38

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5 months ago

Today, my MBA diploma arrived in the mail.
For me, this moment is bigger than a degree. It’s a reminder that your starting point does not have to determine your ending. Years ago, I earned my GED not knowing exactly where life would lead me, only knowing I had to keep pushing forward despite setbacks, responsibilities, disappointments, and life happening in real time.
This post is not about boasting, it’s about awareness. It’s about understanding that progress is still possible no matter how delayed the journey may feel. Sometimes the path is unconventional, and sometimes it’s harder for you than most, but growth can still happen!
I also understand that a degree is not everyone’s path, and success does not only come with letters behind your name. There are many ways to build a meaningful life, provide for your family, create opportunities, and leave an impact. This simply happened to be part of my journey.
For me, these degrees are proof that I finished what I started. They represent discipline, perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience during seasons when quitting would have been easier. And no matter what life brings, that accomplishment can never be taken away from me.
From GED to MBA, not because the road was easy, but because I refused to stop walking it.

To anyone questioning whether they can still accomplish something meaningful… YOU CAN. Your story is still being written! #Mommyof8 #breakinggenerationaltrauma #Godspeed by @modesty38

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5 months ago

And just like that, my girl Leah has made the cheer team at Savannah State University‼️

#HBCU #LetsGo 🧡💙🐅📣 by @modesty38

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5 months ago

16 more days… 🙌🏾🎉🎓

I can now say with a full heart that I’ve successfully graduated ALL EIGHT OF MY CHILDREN.

This milestone has healed the inner child in me that didn’t have that push to go to school, or the support while going.

Patting myself on the back… #JobwelldoneLyric by @modesty38

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5 months ago

Prom #2K26 🔥❤️🖤✨⭐️ by @modesty38

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6 months ago