When Tyra Patterson left prison after 23 years, she kissed the Ohio ground.<br />When Patterson was 19 years old, she was imprisoned for a robbery and murder she has always sworn she didn't commit.<br />And while Patterson's convictions have not been overturned, she's been making a difference in the lives of others while she works to clear her name.<br />CNN reports Patterson dropped out of school at age 11 due to homelessness. While in prison, she became a GED tutor, a paralegal, and a licensed steam engineer.<br />Patterson was surprised with an honorary bachelor's degree from the Art Academy of Cincinnati on October 31 after giving the graduates a commencement speech.
