When legacy becomes inspiration

Andrea McClasky-Woods, decorated in stoles and cords, smiles as she holds her diploma in the air. One of her stoles has pictures of her grandmother, Betty Anthony, sown into it. (Photo provided/ Andrea McClasky-Woods)Almost 40 years after Andrea McClasky-Woods’ grandmother, Betty Anthony, went back to school for her G.E.D., McClasky-Woods was inspired.That drove McClasky-Woods to return to college after 30 years. Now, she is a summa cum laude graduate of Martin University.Before going to Martin, McClasky-Woods attended Tennessee State University (TSU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for two and a half years. “My experience of going to Tennesee State University was probably one of the most awesome experiences in my life,” McClasky-Woods said. “Honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” At TSU, McClasky-Woods, who said she loved the HBCU environment, was actively involved. She was part of the student government, president of the pep club, and more. But, due to the cost of attending school out of state, her time at TSU was cut short. So, McClasky-Woods came back to Indiana, where she worked for almost 26 years as a member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. After that, she stayed within the realm of criminal justice, working...