95-year-old woman prepares to graduate

[Kit Sober]

95-Year-Old Woman Prepares to Graduate and Thanks God

"I give thanks to the Lord and try to live day by day. I try to do whatever is pleasing to Him. That's what I want to do."

Staff reports/CR (Nov 21th, 2006)

Nola Ochs is celebrating her 95th birthday, and plans to graduate just a short time later. Upon doing so, she'll go into the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest graduate. She's amused by the idea, but is proud of the fact that she will get to walk across the stage with her granddaughter, who is attending the same college.

The college used to be called the Kansas State Teachers College in the 1930's when Ochs started. She continued a little more in the 1970's at a St. Mary's community college, and is now finishing her General Education Degree back at Fort Hayes State University.

Ochs' family and friends recently threw her an "impromptu" birthday party in her Biblical studies class, at the end of it she remarked, "I give thanks to the Lord and try to live day by day. I try to do whatever is pleasing to Him. That's what I want to do."

So there is no good reason to quit learning. There is hope, also, for old ex-twi-ers who didn't further our education when we were [much] younger.

[nolongerlurking]

What you say is so true Kit. I graduated from college (finally) when I was 41. At some point, I would like to get a masters in something and have a second career. It's never too late until you're dead.

[FreeAtLast]

dog gone it I was trying to get that record. But I am less than half her age. Oh Well. I got 2 more years to graduate.

Kudos to her. Learning SHOULD be a lifetime experience.

[Kit Sober]

It was inspirational to me, and helped set this growing old into perspective.

Glad you liked it.

[Edi]

Well, I think she is so cool. It comforted me and gave me hope. I'm almost 60 and I went back to school. I didn't know if I could make it or do it anymore. BUT, I've done better on the chart tests and written tests than the 20 and 30 year olds are doing. I was really blessed to hear her story.