Oldest College Graduate In The US!

If you're entering college in your 40's, 50's or even beyond, this is something you will want to hear!

Nola Ochs is a continuing education student at the Fort Hays State College in Kansas. Nola has her own apartment on campus where she attends classes, and when she's able to get home for the weekend, she drives 100 miles home her family farm. She is scheduled to graduate with a bachelors degree this spring. Nola turned 95 in November.

As Ochs tells her tale, when she turned 16 she passed an exam that certified her to teach. After four years, she married her husband Vernon and had to give up her teaching position because "That was a condition of getting the job - you had to stop when you got married because they didn't want the teacher to be pregnant in the school." (Click on the quote to view the entire article) After many years of marriage and raising children, Nola went back to school. When she receives her diploma, she will be the oldest college graduate in the United States!

As many recent scientific studies have shown, continued learning increases brain activity . Just as physical exercise maintains healthy bodies, regular mental calisthenics in combination with a healthy lifestyle can result in keeping you mentally sharp.

Adult students come from all backgrounds, with many varying situations and motivations. Whether you are a full or part-time student, taking enrichment classes or are just starting to think about it, the positive results are clear. A sincere desire to grow along with a genuine love of learning and the desire to interact with others is a large component in taking on any new project.

Do you know any other elderly people who have enrolled in a continuing education course? If so, I'd love to hear from you! What a great role model!