The old adage, which says “It is Never Too Late to Learn,” was manifested one week ago (Tuesday, July 17, 2018), in the City of Paynesville, Monrovia, when a 72- year-old woman, impressively walked out of the walls of a high school in Paynesville.
Madam Jestina Freeman who was born on March 6, 1946 was among 86 graduates of the Nathan E. Gibson Memorial Academy High School night session.
The elaborate graduation program was held at the Effort Baptist Church in Paynesville city.
Hundreds of family members of other graduates as well as guests of the occasion were all amazed as the entire ceremony appeared to have been focused on the light complexion woman who appears very healthy, energetic and enthusiastic.
The program even became more interesting and eye-catching when the Master of Ceremony (MC) handed the microphone to 72-year old graduate for a remark, but the overjoyed woman could only say thank you to family members, teachers and friends.
However, Madam Freeman found time to speak with the Monrovia Times on Monday, July 23, 2018 concerning her educational sojourn.
“I am honored to be a student. It makes me happy and very happy that I am able to read and write and to obtain a high school Certificate”, she said.
Madam Freeman said it was a difficult decision to return to school as an older woman, judging from fear of mockery by other students all of whom were young people and financial constraints, but she finally decided to complete her high school.
“It was not easy to return to school having sat down for many years. At first, I never wanted to go back to school for fear of mockery and lack of money to pay my tuition, but I made up my mind finally,” she said.
Despite earning a high school diplomat, Madam Freeman is confident of continuing her academic sojourn at the university level.
“I want to keep learning. In fact, if I get financial support and time, I want to even be a medical doctor. This has been my dream while growing up as a child,” she said as she looks up with a smile.
Madam Freeman, however, encouraged her fellow graduates most especially the young ones to put more time in their education, noting that “Education is the pathway to a successful future.”
“As old as I am, I am still learning, so what more about the young ones, they have to focus on their education as the future is still ahead of them,” she added.
Madam Freeman who hails from Rivercess County also urged parents to send their children to school at an early age.
She explained how women like her were not given the chance to start school at an early age and as such it has deprived many women of formal education.
”When I was young, I was not given the opportunity to sit in the classroom because our parents said it was only good for brothers to go to school. As a girl, I was only taught how to take care of the home,” she accentuated.
