Current News Headlines: 80-Year-Old Beatrice Lillie Fulfils Lifelong Dream Of A College Degree
An 80-year-old woman identified as Beatrice Lillie, who was a secretary in Harris County’s Probation Department, has fulfilled her lifelong dream of getting a college degree. The woman who also reportedly owned an answering service, before there was voicemail and cell phones, has bagged an associate’s degree to add to her resume alongside being a cosmetologist. She received her diploma at Houston Community College’s graduation ceremony earlier this month. Beatrice whose degree is in business administration, said:
“I did it to set an example for my children and grandchildren.”
“If grandma can do it, I can do it.”
She added, “I also learned about diversity and an appreciation for art.”
“There were young ladies who looked at me and said they could do it if I could do it.”
“It’s important for people to keep going and engaging their minds, instead of just sitting back.”
Beatrice completed the degree in four years while her grandchildren are enrolled in colleges now. It was a friend who encouraged her to go back to school. Merline Williams said:
“I have three associate degrees.”
“I went back because my grandchildren were getting ahead of me. They knew about computers. I had to have my granddaughter fill out my college application.”
Meanwhile, Beatrice plans to continue volunteering at the center, and involvement with her church, but she doesn’t plan to pursue a new career.
“Should I say this?” she asked. “The truth is my back and legs hurt.”
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