Grandmother, 91, receives ‘dream’ bachelor’s degree from King

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Grandmother, 91, receives ‘dream’ bachelor’s degree from King

By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Ninety-one-year-old Kimlan Jinakul’s dream came true on Wednesday when she finally received a bachelor’s degree from the hand of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn during a graduation ceremony in Bangkok.
 

After more than a decade of determination to continue her education, she got a degree in Human and Family Development from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU)’s School of Human Ecology.

 

Kimlan, a Phayao native, is proud to be one of the university’s most senior graduates this year. 

 

In a recent interview with Thai PBS, the physically fit grandmother recalled that she applied for the study program in 1998 but then temporarily suspended studying due to family issues. She resumed studies in 2011 and completed the program in 2015.

 

“Studying is my childhood dream. I was determined to complete a degree when I had a chance. I never thought of it as a difficult thing or an inconvenience, because knowledge is the most important factor for self-improvement,” she said. 

 

 

“If we don’t study, we don’t read, we won’t know and won’t be able to talk about things. If we keep learning and reading news, we will be able to keep up with the society, the country and the world.”

 

To promote the seniors’ education, STOU waived the Bt800 entrance fee and adjusted educational policies to cater to their needs, such as the distant learning and study content that would focus on practice rather than all-theory, acting rector Panumkas Khad-ngao-ngam said. 

 

The university currently has 199 students aged over 60.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30323528

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-08-11

[Ralf61]

Congratulations to Kimlan. Seems there is much more to do as a pensioner but beating records in emptying beer bottles...

[colinneil]

Well done Granny, just shows you are never to old to learn.

[wakeupplease]

the Bt800 entrance fee

 

Nice little earner then

[jpinx]

Really impressive attitude by this lady.  One can only hope that more will take a similar stance and set a good example to the youngsters of Thailand...  and many other countries....  :)

[SABloke]

the Bt800 entrance fee
 
Nice little earner then

I think it's the entrance fee for the uni that was waived.

[wakeupplease]

3 minutes ago, SABloke said:

 

I think it's the entrance fee for the uni that was waived.

 

OK Thanks for that but not what I was thinking

[William C F Pierce]

I know what it is like to study with the OU in the UK and the shear hard work you need to do to succeed, so well done to the grand lady. She deserves her most highest Royal recognition.