90-year-old Joyce Viola DeFauw finally graduated from Northern Illinois University and received her bachelor’s degree. Three years ago, she decided to continue her studies in general studies with the university’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
In 1951, DeFauw was studying early elementary education at a college now known as Northern Illinois University. Later on, she studied home economics. Nevertheless, she dropped out of college to plan on starting her own family with her husband.
However, three years later, her husband passed away, and she became a widow for five years. Then, she remarried and she was busy taking care of her children during that time. No matter how busy she was with domestic work, she always thought about college.
Defauw is blessed with supportive children
DeFauw’s children knew about her enrolling at Northern Illinois University before. She told her children that she wished she had finished her studies. Blessed with understanding children, her children supported her mother’s dream of holding a bachelor’s degree. They gave her a computer to join online classes.
Just like any other student, DeFauw has gone through some tough times continuing her studies. However, she was not the type of person who would easily give up, especially when people around her blessed her with continuous encouragement.
“We get to exchange ideas and things through the computer, and I’ve had wonderful instructors that helped me, suggested things, and guided me. As far as the encouragement of everyone — my friends, my family, and my teachers — I just couldn’t give up.”
DeFauw is an inspiration to others
Dr. Lisa Freeman, the Northern Illinois University’s President described DeFauw as an ‘inspiration’ to others. The President said, “She has beautifully shown that earning a degree is life-changing at any age and that it’s never too late to pursue new knowledge.”
The 90-year-old graduate and great-grandmother motivated people not to stop chasing their dreams. She delivered her message, “There’s so much that life offers that you miss out on if you don’t take advantage of it.”
Sources: Good Morning America