90-year-old student is the oldest ever to earn her Master’s degree at the University of North Texas graduation ceremony
17-year-old Minnie Payne from Texas, graduated from her high school in 1950. Later on, she took classes in a junior college after which she joined the workforce.
However, she was unable to secure a degree then, so now after 73 years, Payne has become the oldest student ever to earn her Master’s degree from the University of North Texas.
According to NBC 5, she is proud of her achievement, which has left her feeling both “elated” and “humbled.”
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Her parents were both uneducated mill workers who had never been to school, and she grew up in South Carolina.
For 30 years of her life, Payne worked as a transcriptionist and word processor. Once she retired from her job, she decided to go back to school to complete her education.
So, at the ripe age of 73, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Texas Women’s University in 2006.
And now, 17 years after receiving her Bachelor’s degree, Payne has once again made up her mind to go back to school.
As per the University of North Texas, she joined their online course for a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Although she found completing the course difficult and even pulled “many all-nighters” like other college students, she worked hard and succeeded.
On Sunday, at the University of North Texas graduation ceremony, Payne walked the stage along with her grandson to receive her Master’s degree.
She has created history by becoming the University’s oldest student ever, but this is hardly the end of her educational journey. Payne wishes to “continue learning” and she wants to continue working as long as she can.
