Nearly 70 years after starting her studies, Maryette McFarland from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, was finally able to graduate with a degree in English Literature. The 90-year-old was the oldest of more than 300 graduates at the Open University’s ceremony in Belfast. Her story is one of determination, patience, and a little help from her family. McFarland had originally started college in Dublin back in the 1960s, but she dropped out and got married instead. Although it took a few years, she decided to go back to school while recovering from a car accident. “I had a bit of time to spare and thought I’d like to do something,” she said. Studying online proved a challenge at times, but McFarland said her family — including her four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren — had provided a lot of help. In fact, her daughter-in-law even taught her how to type. She also got help from a “lovely” tutor who provided a lot of support. Her eldest daughter, Shauna Gailey, accompanied McFarland to the graduation ceremony. “I am just so proud of her,” said Gailey. McFarland’s message to anyone who thinks they’re too old to learn new things: “If I can do it, anybody can do it. It’s never too late."
