99-year-old woman graduates from college: ‘This is my dream come true’
theGrio REPORT - At 99, Doreetha Daniels is definitely the senior of her college classmates ... and even her professors.
At 99, Doreetha Daniels is definitely the oldest member of the class of 2015.
Daniels always wanted to get her college degree, and so in 2009 she began attending College of the Canyons.
“99, here I am,” she said, speaking at the podium during Friday’s ceremony. Then everyone erupted into cheers.
“I accomplished what I wanted to do, and this is my dream come true,” she said afterwards.
Daniels said that she was inspired by her grandchildren, who are working on master’s degrees. She decided that she, too, wanted to get that higher education for herself.
The road was not easy. Daniels had suffered two strokes and lost her driver’s license. What’s more, she struggled with computer literacy, something that her 18-24-year-old classmates had no problems with.
But she doubled down and worked harder, and her statistics class called her “one of the most dedicated and hardworking students.”
“Doreetha is resilient. She demonstrates grit,” said counselor Liz Shaker. “She inspires students.”
Now, Daniels has her degree, and her family members are absolutely thrilled and proud of her. Her advice to those who have dreams they want to pursue is this: “Don’t give up. Do it. Don’t let anybody discourage you. Say that, ‘I’m going to do it,’ and do it for yourself.”
Check out coverage from the ceremony below.
