Bryan Spry has one piece of advice for every nontraditional student who juggles coursework, family and real-world responsibilities.

“Be patient,” said the newlywed father. “Prioritize your life and make sure you remain patient with your spouse, with your children and with yourself.”

When Spry, a student in the School of Communications and Theater set out to complete a communications degree, his wife, Jacqueline, and their infant daughter, Ava, were his biggest inspiration.

“It was tough; we had are difficult times,” he said. “But we supported each other and we got through it together.”

Commencement could not have come sooner for Spry, who spent his mornings and afternoons simultaneously caring for Ava and studying while his wife attended classes at the University of Pennsylvania.

In the evenings Spry and his wife would switch duties so that he could attend classes and work on campus part time.

“My wife would come home in the early evening and I’d hand Ava to her and then I was off to classes,” he said. “We never keep the same schedule; every day is different.”

“We’re really working on Ava’s schedule,” he said jokingly.

The Erie, Pa., native credits his “Dimensions of Racism” class taught by Assistant Professor Frank Johnson with changing his perceptions of race in America.

“I come from a small town that is a bit segregated,” he said. “Coming to Temple really dispelled a lot of my ideas about race and culture, and the classes I took introduced me to religions, cultures and people I may have never been exposed to.”

After graduation, Spry plans to work in the advertising field and hopes to attend law school in the near future.

“It’s been a busy year,” he said. “My wife and I hope to maybe vacation now that school is done.”