Leah Remini can now check off a major goal from her bucket list!
The “King of Queens” actress recently took to social media to share a big accomplishment and empowering message for others.
Leah Remini Earned An Associate’s Degree From NYU
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Remini, 53, shared her story on both TikTok and Instagram, along with a photo of her degree.
“Three years ago, I embarked on a terrifying journey: becoming a college student at the age of 50 after only having an 8th-grade education and spending 35 years in a totalitarian cult,” she began her caption. “After three years of hard work, long nights, tears, and wanting to give up so many times, I have earned an associate’s degree from NYU.”
Her caption further explained that she’s ready to tackle another goal – working on her bachelor’s degree. She also explained that she’s wanted “a higher education for many years” but didn’t because of fear that she wasn’t “smart enough.” Decades of “brainwashing” still lingered in her mind, even after she managed to leave the Church of Scientology.
Remini thanked the important people in her life and said that many of her social media followers have helped her along the way, as well.
“So many of you have gotten me through the most challenging times,” she wrote. “I have read many of your comments and drawn inspiration from them.”
Leah Remini Shared Some Inspiration For Others Thinking Of Taking A ‘Leap’ Later In Life
Throughout her three-year journey in college, Remini heard from many others sharing their stories about pursuing a college education later in life.
“I know I am in a position of privilege that has offered me the flexibility to do this. But over the past three years, I’ve heard from thousands of people, especially women, who have decided to take the leap at an older age and get their GED or pursue a college education,” her caption continued.
“Whether a cult used to control your life, you have a full-time job as a stay-at-home parent or full-time job(s) outside of the home, it’s never too late to continue your education and pursue what you have always wanted to achieve for yourself!”
Leah Remini’s Social Media Followers Shared Words Of Encouragement And Support
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Remini‘s Instagram post received more than 64,000 likes and 6,000 comments.
“I went to college I am 58 and just need a few more classes to get my bachelor’s… you inspire me to finish!” one person wrote in the comment section.
Another person shared, “Got my BA at 49. Now, at 57 moving to a new country to follow a lifelong dream. Age should never stop you. Congratulations on your degree!”
Over on TikTok, Remini’s post received more than 300,000 views and nearly 3,000 comments.
Many of her TikTok followers shared their personal stories of going to college later in life.
“Congrats! At 53, I’m 3 classes away from getting my Associate’s,” one follower wrote. Another said, “That is awesome. I left Mormonism, got my degree at 40, and am going to law school this fall. Never too old.”
One other person shared, “Congratulations!! I turned 50 in December 2023 and by January 2024 I was accepted into nursing school. It’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life! I’m so proud of you!”
Leah Remini Shared The News About Entering College On Instagram In 2021
Remini shared her acceptance letter to NYU to pursue an associate’s degree in liberal arts on Instagram back in May 2021.
“I am so excited, in tears, and wanted to share this with you guys. For someone like me, a person who desperately wanted a higher education and options in my life, coming from a cult and a family who didn’t value education, this is a very big day for me,” she wrote in her Instagram caption.
“This didn’t come easy. This is one of the last chunks of my life that I am taking back for myself from Scientology.”
She explained that it took a lot for her to “take this step” because of fear, not feeling worthy, and age.
One Instagram follower shared, “I too, at almost 48, just finished a two-year college course, so I fully understand the feeling. It’s exciting, stressful, nerve raking, fun and most of all gives you an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Congrats girl.”
Another person said, “I just started graduate school at 54! I love that you are doing this! Continual learning and always growing is the key to aging well.”
Leah Remini Has Been Speaking Up About Scientology For Years
@leahremini No other organization that has religious status and tax-exemption responds this way to the truth. What I said in my intro was all true. I am far from perfect and I’ve worked on myself so much. And I want to note that a vast majority of the time, Scientology attacks me and others with absolute lies. Which is why I filed a lawsuit against Scientology and David Miscavige. #memoir #autobiography #book #scientology ♬ original sound – Leah Remini
Remini, who left the Church of Scientology in 2013 after being a member since childhood, has been outspoken about the organization for years. She shared her story in her memoir, “Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology,” published in late 2015.
A few months ago, the actress shared a TikTok video about writing her book.
“Let me start with this. I’m an apostate. I have lied. I’ve cheated. I have done things in my life that I am not proud of,” she said in her video. “Including, but not limited to falling in love with a married man 19 years ago, being selfish and self-centered, fighting with virtually everyone I’ve ever known via hateful emails, texts, and spoken words, physically threatening people, from parking ticket meter maids to parents who hit their kids in public, not showing up at funerals of people I loved, because I don’t deal well with death.”
Her video continued with her explaining the many things she said she’s not proud of in her life and why she’s being transparent about it all.
“Why am I revealing all of this? Because after the Church of Scientology gets a hold of this book, it may well spend an obscene amount of money running ads, creating websites, and trotting out celebrities to make public statements that their religious beliefs are being attacked,” she continued. “All in an attempt to discredit me by disparaging my reputation, and that of anyone close to me.”
Many viewers of her video shared empowering and supportive messages for the actress.
“Well played! Thank you for being so brave,” one person shared. Another wrote, “You are human and you are amazing. I love this and support you 1000%.”