“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies,
can continue growing as long as we live.”
Mortimer Adler , American Philosopher, Educator (1902-2001)
can continue growing as long as we live.”
Mortimer Adler , American Philosopher, Educator (1902-2001)
This past week I heard about a 92-year-old woman who received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from California State University at Sacramento. According to school officials she may be the oldest graduate in the school’s history.
Weekly, for the last two years, Estelle Rees Arroyo would drive the 120 mile round trip from her home in Grass Valley to a Sacramento motel where she would stay will attending classes.
When asked why she had decided to attend college Estelle said, “I was watching too much TV. I decided if I kept it up my mind was going to go to mush.”
Her age often served as an advantage, according to Estelle, and earned her politeness from other students who thought she was an instructor, but she suspects her professors weren’t always thrilled to have her in their class. She said, “I think I spoke up too much in class because the teacher would get on something I had lived through.”
As Estelle reminds us, “It is never too late.”
She’s delightful. See a video interview of her here.
~Linda
6 comments:
She's a inspiring woman. We should all aspire to be like that.
Hi Linda, it's inspirational to see this woman's determination to finish her degree. I remember I was so proud when my mother graduated at 50 years old from Wayne State Univ. It was a challenge for her because she left high school in 10 grade to support her mother. She was always under a lot of pressure to be the strong one. Thanks for writing about this story.
I think that it's important to always continue learning...and creating new challenges for ourselves. Love to you <3
great post Linda.
This is a great story! She is a shining example for us all to emulate. Thanks for sharing.
It's never too late to learn, and I can't imagine not having the desire to do so.
Thanks to all of you for your comments. She is inspiring.
Post a Comment