Sometimes, not enough attention is given to the things you want to do until it looks too late. But in reality, it is all about giving priority, and you think you missed your only opportunity to get it done. Luckily, like Sharon Sutton, many individuals have already figured out how to overcome this mindset.
Sharon Sutton’s graduation
At the age of 73, you would think that graduating from a university would be a priority. Yet here is Sharon Sutton, who just finished a Bachelor of Arts Major in English, Minor in History and Indigenous Studies at USC Australia. Sharon Sutton’s story is full of trials and hardships, but she persevered and fulfilled one of her primary goals in life ever since childhood.
Humble beginnings
Sharon Sutton was born in the 1950s to a low-income family in rural Australia. She had high aspirations to be a teacher in her early years. When Sharon took her scholarship exam at 12, she scored 99 percent on social studies, motivating her to continue her studies. Unfortunately, her mother put a stop to this due to financial hardships.
The pursuit of a degree
Not having enough money to buy herself even a pair of shoes did not stop Sharon Sutton from chasing her dream. While her goal of making it to high school was put on hold, she continued to educate herself. Reading diligently every day after work, she taught herself as much as she could. So despite not fulfilling her initial goal in life, that has never slowed her down.
A 55-year gap
Through those times, Sharon had to work to support her family. After dropping out of school at age 13, Sharon found work at a clothing factory, earning around 10 dollars every week. Sharon met her future husband; they migrated to the northern parts and started a cattle business. It took more than five decades of dreaming and struggling to finally achieve her dreams.
Goal achieved
Through all the setbacks, Sharon Sutton still wished she could attend university and get a diploma. As fate would have it, Sharon found the University of the Sunshine Coast website, which offers a tertiary preparation pathway, which she immediately enrolled in. After countless challenges and obstacles, Sharon finally earned that degree she longed for since childhood.
So many challenges have been stacked against her that quitting should have been preferable. But the human spirit endures, even in the most challenging times. But you may ask if Sharon’s story could be just a one-of-a-kind moment, maybe just a stroke of chance.
Opportunities for education
On average, the age a person usually earns a diploma is 22. If you go over, you may need a specialized program to continue your studies. Nonetheless, whatever age you are right now, it is never too late. Like Sharon, who found her opportunity by chance while browsing the web, you can also get your chance. Just remember to look complex and intelligent for that moment.
Seniors who are getting their diplomas at retirement age are a fast-growing trend around the world. The Internet certainly helps, allowing retirees to find courses they like faster and enroll easier. In addition, new technology allows opportunities that weren’t even possible in the distant past. Sharon’s story can prove that it is just a matter of holding on until your time arrives.
Don’t lose hope
So if you are having trouble thinking about what it could be like in the future, don’t fret. Don’t let the thought make you lose your focus. Sharon made it happen because she never let go of her dreams. Even after five decades, her desire for a diploma pushed her through the most challenging times. It represents the strength of the human spirit that endures and overcomes the most significant challenges in life.
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