‘Inner’ child


Education is for both young and old.
Last 17 December, Minnie Payne of College Station, Texas earned her master's in interdisciplinary studies degree at the University of North Texas.
At age 90, Payne is the oldest person to earn a master's degree at UNT, and she plans to put what she's learned into practice, CBS News reported.
A grandson accompanied Payne — who received her undergraduate diploma at age 73 — to the graduation ceremony at the UNT Coliseum.
Payne has accepted a job at Houston Style Magazine, saying she likes to cover topics requiring research and write inspirational stories.
"I want to work until the last minute because if I'm not doing something worthwhile if I'm not doing something to help someone, I am not a happy camper," she said, according to USA Today.
Meanwhile, Grace Szymchack of Traverse City, Michigan set her own milestone when she walked on stage to receive her bachelor's degree in early childhood education during commencement rites at Ferris State University in Big Rapids City on 15 December.
The walk was made more memorable because she was able to do it a week after giving birth to her daughter, Annabelle.
"It was just important for me to walk because I've been working on this degree for a long time," Szymchack told GMA3, ABC News reported.
Szymchack said she was not ready to leave her baby with anyone, so she brought Annabelle to the graduation ceremony.
Baby Annabelle was tucked inside her graduation gown, sleeping, when she walked on stage to get her diploma.
"I teach in a state-funded program, and I just hope it inspires other moms to go back and finish the degree that they want or to start the degree that they have been hoping for," she said, according to ABC News.
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