101-year-old woman set to graduate from college after 81 years of dropping out

Sarah Simpkins just completed her first semester of Brightpoint Community College's early childhood education program with a 3.5 GPA.

" I'm back in school. Going back to school has been on my mind for years," Simpkins told WWBT, hoping to inspire others with his love of learning.

Sarah Simpkins will graduate from college next year at the age of 102.

Eighty-one years ago, Simpkins dropped out of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. She was 20 years old and pregnant with her first child.

After dropping out of school, Simpkins married and had 12 children. She spent most of her life taking care of her children and family, putting her dream of studying on hold.

At age 96, Simpkins moved from Brooklyn, New York to Virginia to live with his granddaughter Halimah Shepherd-Crawford, who was attending the same community college in Chester.

Despite her advanced age, Mrs. Simpkins still studies her homework with her granddaughter and explains it to her when she doesn't understand. " My grandmother's mind is still very sharp and clear," her granddaughter proudly said of her.

Next May, Simpkins and his granddaughter will receive their diplomas together. For him, age is just a number. When asked how old he is, he replies, “I feel like I’m 42.”

Sarah Simpkins and her granddaughter were in the same college class.

The Virginia Higher Education Act of 1974 allows seniors over the age of 60 to enroll in higher education courses for credit or audit without paying tuition or fees.

At 101, Mr. Simpkins credits his longevity to a simple but profound philosophy - always be cheerful and happy.

Shepherd-Crawford said her grandmother has always been an inspiration to her in her studies and life.

"It's special because we're both graduating from college and walking across the stage together to receive our diplomas. Studying together makes us work harder and more motivated," said Shepherd-Crawford.

Dieu Anh (Source: Dailymail)

Source: https://vtc.vn/cu-ba-101-tuoi-chuan-bi-tot-nghiep-dai-hoc-sau-81-nam-bo-hoc-ar843023.html