91 year old Kimlan Jinakul recently graduated from university with a Bachelors degree
'You are never too old to learn' is a very popular saying and recently two highly intelligent senior Asian students proved that very point.
If you are a regular reader of the education news in CEI's English website, you will know that earlier in the year we featured an interesting story about a very youthful 105 year old native from Shandong province in eastern China. Yes, I did say 105 years old!
His name is Zhao Muhe and earlier in the year he was studying at Taiwan's National Tsinghua University where he was preparing to earn a doctorate degree. That's really amazing isnt it?
Recently another youthful senior student from Thailand graduated from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, with a Bachelors degree, its true!
Kimlan Jinakul had always wanted to go to university but as a young girl simply did not have the opportunity.But almost a lifetime later and after seeing most of her own children through university, she decided to enrol and on Wednesday finally picked up her degree.
Kimlan originally comes from the Lampang province in the north of Thailand. She was a smart pupil and went to one of the best schools in her province. But moving on to university was not an option at the time, and after her family moved to Bangkok she got married and had to abandon her dream to study further.
"I have always, though, wanted my children to be able to study. So I encouraged and supported them when they wanted to to go to university."
Four of her five children got a masters degree and one even went on to receive a PhD in the US. And it was her kids' academic experience that eventually led her to get enrolled herself.
When one of her daughters - who was already working at a hospital - took a course at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Kimlan decided to get on board as well. She was 72 when she first enrolled, but tragically, the daughter she was studying with died. Kimlan dropped out of the course for a few years.
When she was 85, she went back for a second shot and enrolled for a degree in Human Ecology - a programme that she said would teach her how to live a good and happy life.
"After recovering from the loss and sadness, I pushed myself to finish this programme. I'm hoping my daughter's soul would be pleased to see this," she told the BBC.
Kimlan with members of her family at her graduation
During her years of studying, her daily routine was to rise early and give alms to Buddhist monks, then visit a temple in the neighbourhood and eventually sit down and study.
"It's never too late. My mind is always awake and sharp for learning," Kimlan said.
"This world never stops. There are always new problems for us to solve. If there were no new sciences, the world would stop prospering," she said. Asked about the secret to success, she said it was determination and ambition that got her that far.
"When I told myself to finish one chapter, I would try my best to do so. I underlined all the key points I needed to memorise. And that's what helped me during my study reviews.
"I was glad when I passed and sad when I failed. So I re-took the exam until I passed," she laughed. So what's the plan now that she's got her degree?
"I don't think anybody would employ me if I were to look for a job," she jokes.
"I will just continue to look after my grandchildren."
Sources: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40873988
And: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2017-02/21/content_28289366.htm
With additional story text by Duggy Day
