105-Year-Old Woman who Left School Cause of World War, Earns Masters Degree at Stanford 83 years Later

105 -year-old woman, Virginia “Ginger” Hislop, has achieved a lifelong dream by graduating from Stanford Graduate School of Education with her master’s degree.

Sharing her academic journey, Ginger revealed that her journey began over eight decades ago when she first set foot on Stanford's campus with the goal of earning a bachelor's degree in education, which she accomplished in 1940. However, her plans took a different turn when her then-boyfriend, George Hislop, was called to serve during World War II. In response to the circumstances of the time, they married, and Ginger left Stanford before completing her master's degree.

RECOMMENDED: Top WAEC Orphan Student Receives Full Sponsorship to Tertiary Institution

83 years after, Virginia Hislop returned to Stanford with unwavering determination to complete her unfinished academic pursuit. At the recent commencement ceremony held at Stanford Graduate School of Education, she proudly walked across the stage, donning cap and gown, while her family including cheering grandchildren looked on with admiration.

SEE ALSO: 21 Year-old Nigerian Student Receives Student Leadership Award at University of Toronto

GSE Dean Daniel Schwartz praised Virginia Hislop's dedication to education and advocacy for equity in his speech. He highlighted her passion for learning and emphasized the importance of lifelong education, calling her “A fierce advocate for equity and the opportunity to learn,” He added,“today we are proud to confer the master of arts in education to our 105-year-old graduate.” 

Receiving her degree, Ginger expressed her elation at her achievement. "My goodness, I've waited a long time for this," she said