At 85, South Korea's Oldest Graduate Proves Learning Has No Age Limit
At an age when most individuals have long since left formal education behind, Kim Jung-ja was just beginning her academic journey. At 78 years old, she took her first steps into a classroom to learn how to read and write, embarking on a path that defies conventional timelines. This was not a fleeting endeavor or a symbolic gesture, but a deeply committed, multi-year pursuit through middle school, high school, and ultimately university, driven by pure curiosity rather than the pursuit of credentials.
From Literacy to University: An Unprecedented Educational Odyssey
Kim's remarkable educational voyage commenced at the age of 78, when she resolved to achieve basic literacy. Growing up in post-war Korea, formal schooling had been inaccessible to her, leaving reading and writing skills out of reach for the majority of her life. Mastering the alphabet as an elderly learner demanded immense patience and relentless repetition, yet it simultaneously unlocked a gateway to further studies she had never envisioned as possible.
After attaining literacy, Kim progressed to complete middle school and high school equivalency courses. She later undertook South Korea's highly competitive college entrance examination, earning the distinction of being the oldest candidate in her cohort. Her subsequent admission to Sookmyung Women's University represented an extraordinary leap from adult education centers to lecture halls populated by students more than six decades her junior.
Overcoming Daily Hurdles with Collective Support
University life presented Kim with significant daily challenges. Reports indicate she dedicated up to three and a half hours each day to commuting and encountered difficulties with digital coursework, opting to submit handwritten assignments instead of typed ones. Heavy textbooks proved burdensome to carry, prompting her to purchase duplicate copies to keep both at home and on campus.
Classmates frequently rallied to assist her, carrying her bags and arranging transportation, transforming her university experience into a collaborative effort rather than a solitary struggle. This collective support underscored the communal spirit that bolstered her academic perseverance.
National Recognition and a Message for Ageing Societies
Kim's unwavering determination garnered widespread attention across South Korea. She was honored with the prestigious Minister of Education Award, with officials praising her resolve and her role in emphasizing the critical importance of lifelong learning within an ageing society. Her inspirational narrative has since gained international traction, serving as a powerful testament to education's potential far beyond traditional age boundaries.
A Pause, Not an End: Future Academic Aspirations
For Kim, graduation at 85 with a degree in social welfare does not signify a conclusion. Instead, it represents a brief intermission before her next academic chapter. She has publicly announced her intention to enroll in a four-year program in children's studies and aims to learn English, partly to enhance communication with her grandchildren residing overseas.
As she has consistently affirmed, Kim plans to continue studying for as long as she is able, firmly believing that education, once initiated, should never truly cease. Her story stands as a profound reminder that the pursuit of knowledge knows no expiration date, inspiring individuals of all ages to embrace learning as a lifelong journey.
