Entertainment TV Leah Remini Earns NYU Associate's Degree After 'Terrifying' 3-Year 'Journey' "I desperately wanted a higher education for many years but didn’t move forward because I feared I was not smart enough," said the actress in her announcement By Ingrid Vasquez Ingrid Vasquez Ingrid Vasquez is a Digital News Writer at PEOPLE. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor in Journalism. Before joining the team, she worked as an Editor at FanSided and provided work in the celebrity and lifestyle space for brands that include Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, EW, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 29, 2024 12:38AM EDT Close Leah Remini. Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images Leah Remini can add a new title to her name! The actress, 53, revealed on her X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram accounts on Thursday that she has earned an associate's degree from New York University (NYU). Next to a photo of her diploma, Remini expressed that she began the "terrifying journey" three years ago "at the age of 50 after only having an 8th-grade education." "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. I'm now working on my bachelor's degree," Remini announced. Celebs Who Went Back to School After They'd Already Become Famous The King of Queens alum said she had "desperately wanted a higher education for many years but didn't move forward because I feared I was not smart enough." Remini acknowledged various family members, NYU staff, and her "amazing tutor" who gave her the "support" she needed. "So many of you have gotten me through the most challenging times. I have read many of your comments and drawn inspiration from them," continued Remini. "I couldn't have done this without the support of my therapist, who provided the support and tools that prevented me from giving up early on." Leah Remin at 2019 IDA Documentary Awards. Jesse Grant/Getty Leah Remini Says Her Role as a Mom 'Changed Overnight' After Daughter Left for College She added that her college experience has been filled with messages 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." Remini ended her announcement by advising her fans, "It's never too late to continue your education and pursue what you have always wanted to achieve for yourself." On Instagram, Remini received various supportive comments from individuals like Chelsea Handler, who wrote, "I love you, baby! From the sun to the moon!" Alyssa Milano commented, "I love this for you. And I'm so proud of the woman you are." Rosie O'Donnell added, "bravo woman 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️." Leah Remini in December 2019. Jesse Grant/Getty Images Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Remini first announced that she was pursuing her associate's degree in an Instagram post in May 2021, expressing at the time that it was something that "didn’t come easy." After completing her second semester in June 2023, she told her followers that she was "so glad I decided to dive in."