This article reports on a qualitative study that examined why adult daughters of abused mothers (N = 38) pursue and complete postsecondary education. Through the use of purposive sampling and the grounded theory method, participants' motivation to complete an undergraduate (n = 24) or graduate (n = 14) degree involved distancing from their childhood trauma, discovering meaning in their suffering, and finding a life purpose. Implications include adult educators facilitating transformational learning opportunities that may assist students to recognize their abilities to learn and grow from negative life events. Additionally, university counseling staff may support students to find meaning in their struggles with adversity.