Tramar Pettaway was born and raised on Long Island, and like many kids, he had big dreams. But unlike most, he faced some unique challenges in school. As a special education student, Tramar graduated with an IEP diploma—a type of diploma that often comes with a lot of stigma and closed doors. But from the start, he knew he was capable of more.
Roadblocks Right Out the Gate
After high school, Tramar enrolled in community college. He was ready to put in the work, but quickly ran into obstacles. Because of the kind of diploma he had, he wasn’t eligible for financial aid or full-time student status. That could’ve easily been the end of the story—but not for Tramar. He kept showing up, kept taking classes, and kept believing in his dream.
His First Break: Five Towns College
In 2017, everything changed. Tramar got an acceptance letter from Five Towns College—his first dream school. He was in. He earned his Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts there. Originally, he had planned to major in Education, but the program was being phased out. Still, he didn’t give up. He adapted and kept going.
Transferring and Leveling Up at ECSU
After earning his Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Five Towns College, Tramar transferred to Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. This time, he was able to fully pursue his goal: becoming a teacher. He majored in Education with a focus on Elementary Education and earned his Bachelor of Science in Education. It was a huge step for someone who had once been told what he couldn’t do.
Mastering the Mission
Today—May 10, 2025—Tramar hits another major milestone: he’s officially graduating with his Master of Education degree. For someone who started this journey with an IEP diploma and more obstacles than most, it’s not just a personal win—it’s a message to the world.
#FromIEPtoMed: More Than a Hashtag
Tramar created the hashtag #FromIEPtoMed not just to celebrate his own success, but to inspire others. It’s about proving that your starting point doesn’t define your destination. His journey shows what’s possible when you mix determination, faith, and hustle—even when the system doesn’t make it easy.
What’s Next?
Tramar Pettaway isn’t just celebrating a degree—he’s opening doors for others. As an educator and advocate, he’s already making an impact. And with this next chapter, he’s just getting started.
