GRANNY, 82, GRADUATES COLLEGE

As first reported by CNN

Ms Beale, an 82 year-old retiree, just earned herself a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus, UMGC. This is a direct communication to anyone out there who dreams of pursuing their dreams that it is never too late.

According to WJLA, a CNN affiliate, Ms Beale decided to go back to school in her late 70s as per the school report and got her diploma on May 18.

In her working years, Ms Beale worked as a licensed practical nurse in Washington DC. She helped plan several large events which inspired a career pivot while working at the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centres for Medicare and Medicaid.

At 54, Ms Beale started and ran her own event-planning business and targeted towards getting her associate degree in Business Management at Howard Community College, the school says.

After attaining her associate degree, she decided to go further and get her bachelor’s degree, a step at a time.

“I wanted to make certain I had the time to devote to whichever class I was taking,” she was quoted saying. “I was like the tortoise. Slow and steady wins the race. I discovered that I had to be intentional about it and make it my priority.”

Ms Beale was a star student despite being the oldest in her class. She graduated with honors and made the dean’s list several times during her time at UMGC.

She received her diploma together with 3,300 graduates between the years 2020 and 2022, the vice president of media relations, Mr. Bob Ludwig, told CNN. She completed her coursework in 2020, but an in-person graduation could not be held because of the coronavirus pandemic, which had struck the world.

“I knew that if I had the degree, it would solidify things and make me feel more comfortable.” She says.

Ms Beale now participates in several local boards in Maryland as a community advocate.