In a delightful twist of fate, an 18-year-old named Emily Thompson is kicking off her freshman year at Golden Valley College alongside her 82-year-old grandfather, Harold Jenkins. This unique duo is making waves, proving that it’s never too late—or too early—to pursue education.
Emily couldn’t be prouder to attend classes with her grandpa, referring to him as her best friend. “It’s so motivating to see him back in school,” she shared. “It really drives home how important education is, especially when I see him working hard to achieve his dreams.”
And it seems the internet is equally inspired by their story. While many are touched by their heartwarming journey, Harold is simply focused on finishing what he started decades ago. “I’m not out here trying to inspire anyone,” he quipped. “I’m just doing what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Back in the ’50s, Harold took a step into the college world, but life had other plans—marriage and kids interrupted his academic ambitions. Now, after a 60-year hiatus, he’s back to complete his associate’s degree alongside one of the family members he had to put his education on hold for. “Just last year, he cheered for me at my high school graduation, and now I get to return the favor when he walks across that college stage!” Emily beamed, wishing their shared semester could last longer.
But Harold isn’t stopping there; he has plans to chase a bachelor’s degree after completing his associate’s! Talk about goals! Meanwhile, stories like this and those of young prodigies taking college classes—like the 11-year-old science whiz at the University of Toledo—are making me rethink my own life choices, like lounging in pajamas till noon!
If you’re intrigued by more stories of inspiration, you might want to check out this blog post about home insemination kits here. And for those curious about fertility options, Make A Mom has some great insights. Plus, CCRM IVF offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Emily and Harold’s story serves as a beautiful reminder that learning knows no age limits. Whether you’re just starting out or picking up where you left off, the journey of education is one worth taking.