You know that saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” Well, it definitely isn’t true.
Not everyone earns a diploma at the traditional age. Sometimes, life gets in the way of education and studies are put on hold to prioritize more important things, like serving your country or raising a family. But while some people have gray hair and wrinkles by the time they can focus on school, it’s never too late to learn.
These 20 proud graduates are all the proof you need that age doesn’t matter when it comes to following your dreams.
1. George Kaihara and Miko Nakamura finally got their high school diplomas 72 years after being forced into an internment camp.
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2. “The best part of my graduation ceremony last month… She got a standing ovation.”
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3. “My goal was to graduate before I reached 100 years of age. I made it with 33 years to spare.”
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4. “Today my 73-year-old grandma finally graduates high school.”
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5. After raising five kids and a grandchild on her own, Jarita Hall finally got a chance to get her law degree at 64 years old.
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6. “Today, my 62-year-old immigrant grandmother graduated with a bachelor’s in accounting & finance today from CSUF. I couldn’t be more proud of her!”
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7. Margaret Bekema left high school to take care of her cancer-stricken mother and siblings. So when she received an honorary diploma at 97 years old, she cried tears of joy.
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8. “Iman was in her 60’s when she graduated from George Mason University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work.”
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9. “My dad just graduated college today at 63 years old with his fine arts and liberal arts degree … He had to drop out when he was young to take care of his younger siblings and never went back.”
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10. “This 98-year-old man never got to get his high school diploma because he was drafted in World War II his senior year and he finally got it today, my heart.”
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11. Joe Perricone also began serving in WWII before he could graduate from high school in 1943. But he just walked across the stage in a cap and gown at 95, saying, “I never thought I’d be wearing one of these things!”
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12. This happy graduate now has a lifetime of accomplishments under his belt.
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13. “My grandmother, 77, graduated with her PHD and is the university’s oldest graduate. It’s never too late!”
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14. “We added another degree to the family tree!”
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15. This proud dad is sure to share his wealth of knowledge after earning a master’s degree in education.
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16. “My graduating class and our 92-year-old classmate.”
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17. “My 72-year-old grandmother graduating from college in 1991.”
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18. “Friend of mine graduated in Law School at the age of 94.”
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19. After earning a bachelor’s degree at 94, Amy Craton went on to pursue a master’s degree next.
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20. Annie Dillard received her bachelor’s degree in the 1960s, then went back and earned an associate’s degree at 92.
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Congratulations to each of these inspiring people!
Share this story to encourage others to pursue the education they’ve always wanted, no matter their age!
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