After graduating high school in 1986, Angela Stribling’s life took an unexpected turn. Instead of heading straight to college as she had previously planned, she gave birth to her first child. But Angela never lost sight of the promise she had made to her late mother to finish her education.
“I knew I wanted to get that four-year degree, for my mom,” Angela says, reflecting on the journey that brought her to Carlow. It was Carlow’s outreach program in the Hill District that first caught her attention. Designed for women like Angela, the program offered a supportive environment for those returning to school after time away. “I was grateful for these individuals because they gave me the motivation to continue to move toward my journey.”
Angela’s first two years at Carlow were spent at the Hill College, learning alongside other women. The experience helped Angela reconnect with her purpose and find confidence in herself. “Our favorite term, and I’ll never forget, was ‘find your voice.’ When you’re younger, you don’t feel that you have this voice to speak to higher callings. I remembered that throughout my whole life.”
When she transitioned to Carlow’s main campus, Angela pursued a degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. Along the way, she met inspiring faculty members like Freda Ellis and Dr. Morgan Lee, who encouraged her to stay the course, even when life presented challenges. She also built a strong network of peers who shared the same goal of finishing their education. “It was just great meeting women from different walks of life, different age groups, and us having that same goal to want to finish our education.”
Angela’s journey was far from smooth. She faced personal tragedies, including the loss of her brother and her father, which brought grief and hardship. But she remained focused on her goals, ultimately earning both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Carlow. Angela credits the strength and resilience she gained at Carlow with helping her navigate difficult times. “Of course, there were different things that came in the midst of that to try to deter you from your purpose, but God’s plan is God’s plan.”
Today, Angela is using the education and values she gained at Carlow to make a difference in her community. After running for office, she became a borough councilwoman for Swissvale, alongside her son, who also serves in local government. “I never would have imagined this as part of God’s plan, but I’m a woman of service, and I serve wherever He needs me.”
For Angela, the lessons she learned at Carlow—about compassion, community, and self-worth—are at the heart of everything she does. “Carlow has definitely been in my thought process through everything that I’ve accomplished,” she says. “I remember when you would drive on the parkway, and they had those billboards that said, ‘At Carlow You Matter.’ I’ve always kept that in the back of my mind because no matter what we go through, what we deal with, your life really does matter.”