As 18-year-old Spirit Fabian and her graduating class at Rosary High School — a now-closed all-girls Catholic school in San Diego— threw their caps into the air, they celebrated the end of their high school careers.

Donning a white gown and smile, Fabian knew she was ready to take on what her future had in store.

Now 85, she is putting the cap back on at San Diego City College’s commencement on May 21. Fabian will walk across the stage just like she did at her graduation 67 years ago.

“I didn’t think I really belonged anywhere,” Fabian said. “Coming to college and learning so many things and experiencing the energy and the respect from the younger population was challenging and worth every minute.”

Throughout her life, Fabian always felt a drive to fulfill a purpose she believes she has. 

That ambition led her to obtain a certificate in early childhood development, proving that earning an education can happen no matter the age.

“(City College) is such a great jumping off place,” Fabian said. “It’s like a springboard to go there and get everything you need as a human being, to learn how to trust yourself.”

After she graduated high school, she attended the University of San Diego, where she majored in liberal arts. 

But she dropped out a year later to pursue a job as assistant fashion coordinator. 

As years passed, she became a flight attendant for American Airlines. She also volunteered and eventually became a mother to four sons; Gino, Jamie, Nick and Pete.  

Gallery • 5 Photos

Fabian looks through a photobook filled with pictures, newsclippings and words from throughout her life, and stops to admire photos of her family when she was younger, Thursday, May 14, 2026. Photo by Briana Bush/City Times Media

Her life continued on, but the fire in her to learn did not burn out.

She soon went back to school at UC Santa Cruz in 1984 to become an alcohol and drug counselor while taking care of her four children.

After 44 years sober, Fabian wanted to become someone who can help others struggling and show that there is hope.

“I don’t have to carry that around as a guilty thing that happened,” Fabian said. “I get to carry it around and be empathic about anyone who’s had that experience.”

Despite her past, Fabian’s spirit endured. She carries herself in a way that exudes confidence. 

Fabian’s son, Jamie Bianchini, always witnessed this in his mom. 

Bianchini would always see his mom treating everyone with kindness, radiating devotion to flourish in life and never giving up despite her relationship with alcohol.

“She feels like she has the purpose and (she feels) like she can’t slow down because she still has more work to do here,” Bianchini said. “She’s not done yet, she just has more she wants to accomplish.”

When he found out that she would be attending City College, he wasn’t surprised. His mom has a goal of turning 100-years-old, according to Bianachi. He believes that with her drive she will get there.

At age 73, she decided to go back to school after she felt her education journey to fulfill a part in her life she felt was missing.

At the start in 2014, Fabian wasn’t fully set on what she was going to do. She often only took a few classes each semester as she didn’t want to sacrifice spending time with her family.

Her attention soon directed to obtaining a certificate in early childhood development. She has always felt a connection to children, and that became her goal since.

“Through all these years of having children, I have (always) had a passion for children,” Fabian said. “All I wanted to do was just want to be a mommy. I knew how a child should be treated. I knew how I wished I was treated in school.”

Fabian hopes that she can provide help for children who might not be getting enough support at home. She believes kids should have the opportunity to learn and be raised in a loving environment.

During the past 12 years at City College, Fabian made connections with a handful of professors, colleagues and counselors, who she credits as supports in continuing her education and helping her find community.

Kari Crawford, a disAbility Support Programs & Services counselor at City, saw the passion and energy in Fabian for school.

Crawford recounts moments where Fabian would come into her office full of curiosity to learn and picking herself up when times were hard.

She admired Fabian’s ability to fully immerse herself into everything she does, not ever half-heartiedly doing anything.

“I think it is rare, regardless of age, for a person to show up so genuine with that curiosity, and then take accountability for what they don’t know,” Crawford said. “I think it’s rare for a person to say, ‘I’m here to accomplish this goal, help me get there, and there’s no concern about getting defeated, mad, or frustrated.’”

The determination to succeed in school radiates off her comparable to a sunrise Crawford explained. She describes Fabian as always ready to go, taking advantage of all the day has to offer and approaches her education openness.

Graduating from City College is just another stepping stone in the long life Fabian has lived so far. She plans to use her City degree in child development to support children and ensure they have a bright future. 

“Somebody stand up for them and make sure that they have rights,” Fabian said. “The moment they are born they have the rights of services. They are future citizens, they are voters.”

She plans on doing so by supporting children through tough times and pushing for better funding for afterschool programs and more parent involvement.

As she continues to follow her path to the future, she intends to follow her wisdom in making sure to live everyday with intention and enjoy every second of it.

“There are no do-overs, you can’t go back and do yesterday over,” Fabian said. “You might as well make today a day that you wouldn’t mind doing over.”

This story was edited by David J. Bohnet and Itzel Martinez.