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Ayla McCants

@its.ayla.jade

2.9K

followers

1044

following

Lover of God, @twentyfour7kevin , my Baby Boys TREY and WELLS, & Photography @jadeanthoni

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In 2005, I started college on a football scholarship, believing I knew exactly where life was headed.

But I dropped out my senior year, and for nearly 20 years, that decision carried a sense of shame.

In the years that followed, I quietly built a life: I joined the Navy, became an air traffic controller, a manager, built a successful career, got married, and became a father. And I convinced myself I didn’t need the degree.

Until life happened.

This past year challenged me in ways I never expected, but it also gave me perspective. I realized finishing my degree wasn’t just about checking a box or advancing my career. It was about finishing what I started, continuing to grow, preparing for what comes next, and showing my boys that there is no expiration date on a goal.

@purdueglobal Purdue University Global became an important part of that journey. Its structure recognized that I wasn’t starting from scratch; I was bringing nearly two decades of military, professional, and life experience with me. That experience was treated as an asset, not an obstacle.

I felt seen, respected, and valued. I gained new skills, sharpened the ones I already had, and strengthened my understanding of how to apply them to whatever comes next.

Almost 20 years after I first stepped onto a college campus, I finally walked across that stage.

Having my wife and family in West Lafayette to watch me graduate made the moment mean more than I can put into words. They weren’t just celebrating a degree; they were celebrating the journey that led to it.

At 39, almost 40, I no longer feel late.

I feel like I’m right on time.

This has been one of the most trying years of my life, but, I’m coming out of it more excited about my future than I’ve been in a long time.

Bachelor’s degree complete. 🎓3.99 GPA

And for the first time in a while, I’m not looking back at what I didn’t finish.

I’m looking forward to what I’m about to start.
Thank you @lifeatpurdue #boileruphammerdown #boilerup #purdueglobal #purduegrad

🚂 BOILER UP ⬆️ 🔨 HAMMER DOWN ⬇️

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Wow! 2 National TV show appearances in 1 week.

If you’re reading this I want to encourage you to go after Every Side Quest. Dream Big enough that it scares you.
You never know where your dreams will take you.
And yall, this is only the beginning😎❤️🙌🏿

Check us out tonight on @familyfeud I’ll be watching on @youtubetv you can check your local listings!

Wish us luck, & I’ll tell @iamsteveharveytv yall said what’s up😂

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Tonight's the night!!! Are you ready to watch the McCants family go to war... Er, uh... I mean, enter a little friendly family competition? 😬😬 🤭🤭😅😅

Head over to familyfeud.com to enter your zip code and see where to watch at 530 cst!!

It's about to go down!! 💪🏾💪🏾 Let's gooooo family!!! 😍😍😍😍🎉🎉🎉

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Happy Anniversary My Love ❤️
October 1st, 2005 I asked you to be my girl. October 1st, 2011 I made you my Wife❤️

Today I celebrate 15 Years of Marriage to the love of my life, @its.ayla.jade and 21 years together.

I’m blessed to be YOURS. You are my favorite person on this planet, Ayla. I love you with every part of me. Thank you for doing life with me. Thank you for your trust & belief in me to succeed and lead our family. Thank you building me up when I was at my lowest points. Thank you for the love, regulates calm and positive energy you radiate and bring to our home. Thank you for being the best Wife, Mother, Teacher, Mentor Friend. Doing life with you is splendid. I’d say I do to you again and again and again…

Wow, We really racing to forever huh my girl ❤️🥹

Here’s 1 Minute out of the 11 million minutes to celebrate our love:
#blacklove #marriage #anniversary #staytogether #happy15thanniversary

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We got to celebrate L O V E this weekend between our friends @a.terrell_ and @tysen_terrell at their beautiful Country Themed wedding! ❤️ we love yall and pray God’s divine covering & protection over your marriage!

I love weddings because they always remind me of the love and joy I felt marrying Ayla. Getting to reflect back on our nearly 15 years is such a blessing man.
@its.ayla.jade

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See Ball GET BALL! 🗣️New Wells mix tape just dropped.
5 carries, 5 touchdowns. And about 14 flag pulls over the first two games… & look at the cover photo My GOODNESS, the boy smiles when he’s chasing down ball carriers… Good Lord i fear we’re raising a menace 🥹@its.ayla.jade

Side note: yes we’re working on minimizing contact but they’re 4 & 5 year olds… they tend to collide.
And no, we’re NOT playing tackle anytime soon🙌🏿

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My Wife is Thirty-Fine & All Mine.
Happy Birthday, My Love❤️
@its.ayla.jade @jadeanthoni

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Name a reason an air traffic controller, a photographer, a pastor, an author and an educator would get together & dress up?
Survey Says:
THE MCCANTS FAMILY IS COMING TO FAMILY FEUD!
@familyfeud @familyfeudlive @iamsteveharveytv @fremantleus

This is a very special season as we’re celebrating FIFTY YEARS of Family Feud, and we are so happy to be apart of the celebration!

Check us out next Friday, October 2nd
Check your local listings for time and channel!

Chat, we ready?
Let’s GET IT!!!
@twentyfour7kevin @its.ayla.jade @craftingwithmrsm @celestemthompson @coachpscott
#FamilyFeud #familyfeud50thanniversary

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Just a quick fit check in my favorite corner featuring my FAVORITE little humans ✨

#auntie #OOTD

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I walked out the house getting ready for a run and my boys said they wanted to come. I initially waived them off because I felt they would want to stop and walk but I realized they need to train with me. They need to see dad do hard things, they need to do hard things. And they both exceeded the limitations I placed on them😮‍💨❤️I have two new workout buddies and if I would’ve gone alone, I would’ve missed out.

Life and it’s infinite lessons, boy 🥹

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Update… we found em🤠
#helpmefindmydrawls #blacklove #marriage #dance #blues

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A luxurious portrait isn’t created by an extravagant gown.

It’s created by the way light shapes you, the way intentional posing flatters you, and the textures that add depth without stealing the spotlight.

When those elements work together, the focus isn’t on the outfit.

It’s on you. And that’s what makes a portrait timeless.

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