At 93, woman earns second degree
Senior says life of study beats bingo
Louisa Daley proves you’re never too old to stop learning.
The 93-year-old has been studying at Athabasca University for 33 years, and on June 8, she’ll be receiving a bachelor of general studies degree.
“I didn’t want to get a degree, I didn’t even think of it,” said Daley.
“I just wanted something to do. And I’ve always liked to study all my life, and so I just kept on studying.”
During her time at Athabasca, Daley has been focusing on literature, studying Shakespeare, Robert Frost and other great literary works.
Daley previously received a bachelor of arts degree in 1999, but couldn’t resist continuing to study at the online university.
“When you’re getting older, you’ve got to fill your time with something,” said Daley. “And I don’t like bingo.” Originally from England, Daley has enjoyed writing since she was 12 years old, producing poetry and writing for a local radio station and newspaper.
She had to stop going to school when she was around 14, because the schools were bombed out during the Second World War.
Although she’s been studying at Athabasca for over three decades, Daley said she isn’t a perfect student — she had to pull out of one of her classes.
Daley was studying the history of England, yet for whatever reason, the content of the course wasn’t sinking in. So she had to drop the class.
“I was really annoyed about that,” said Daley.
She’s looking forward to the upcoming convocation, where she’ll be joined by four generations of her family.
“I would be really happy if other seniors would take up studying because it’s fun and it keeps you going. You don’t have to sit and be lonely when you’re on your own, you’ve got something to do.”