72-Year-Old Celebrates Graduation With His 98-Year-Old Mother

It is never too late to live out your dreams, no matter what they are! And this man will definitely prove to you that you are never too old for anything you want to achieve. Sam Kaplan’s inspiring journey, from high school graduation in 1969 to running various businesses and finally earning a Bachelor’s degree at 72 shows you why. His story should definitely serve as encouragement. It should remind us that age should never be a barrier to pursuing our passions and realizing our aspirations.

This 72-Year-Old’s Graduation Will Teach You a Lesson

More than five decades after completing high school, 72-year-old Sam Kaplan recently celebrated the culmination of his academic journey. He earned an undergraduate degree. The degree, a Bachelor’s in Cinema and Media Arts, was conferred upon him by Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, Georgia. It made him the first among his seven siblings to achieve this educational milestone.

The graduation ceremony, which took place on May 11, marked a momentous occasion for Kaplan. Crossing the stage to receive his diploma, he was cheered on by a particularly proud spectator. It was his 99-year-old mother, who enthusiastically supported her son’s academic accomplishment.

Kaplan’s Mother Finally Got to See Her 72-Year-Old’s Graduation Ceremony

Having last witnessed her son’s academic achievement in 1969 during his high school graduation, Sam Kaplan’s mother recently had the joy of seeing him cross the stage once again. Kaplan’s journey since high school has been diverse. It involved ventures such as running a cleaning service, managing a telemarketing company, driving taxis, and working in customer service for electronic wholesale distribution. This was outlined in the college’s news release.

After navigating through various career paths, Kaplan, now in his 70s, made a remarkable decision at the age of 68. He wanted to enroll in college again. This choice marked a significant turning point, reigniting his academic pursuits after decades in the workforce.

The 72-Year-Old’s Graduation Was Not an Easy Task

Despite his maturity, returning to a classroom setting after decades proved to be a challenging adjustment for Sam Kaplan. As a father of five, he had to relearn the art of studying and grapple with the initial discomfort of fitting in with classmates who were, on average, 50 years his junior. Kaplan, however, tackled this transition with determination. He set a daily goal of approaching a new student to learn about their academic goals and aspirations. This proactive approach not only helped him integrate into the student community but also fostered genuine connections.

Kaplan emphasized the rarity of engaging students in conversations about their future plans, highlighting the unique perspective he brought to the classroom. He found that these interactions not only benefited him but also created meaningful relationships with his fellow students, evident in the heartfelt hugs he received on the last day of classes.

What His Professor Had to Say

Kate Balsley, an associate professor of film at Georgia Gwinnett College, taught Kaplan in some of his classes and commended his academic achievements. She noted his willingness to share captivating stories and photos from his rich life, expressing pride in his graduation while acknowledging that he will be missed by the college community.

Do you think you would be able to graduate from college at 72?

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