Val Bishop proves taking on a degree isn’t just for youngsters
Val Bishop tells Yvonne Mckenzie why she decided to embark on a degree at the age of seventy-five.
WHEN Val Bishop decided to embark on studying for her first university degree at the age of seventyfive, many of her friends asked her why she was doing it. The answer was simple.
“In a nutshell, boredom!” Val says. “I live in the Snowdonia National Park, which is very, very beautiful, but it takes me about an hour to get to Manchester, although I’m not a great shopper. Even to go to the theatre, which we do a lot, takes time.
“So I spend a lot of time at home and I just thought, ten years from now I’m going to be watching the river go by and doing nothing.
“It occurred to me that I read a lot and that’s when the idea of doing a degree was sparked, so I contacted Arden University.
“They have been absolutely amazing – so approachable – and because I chose to do the course online, I don’t have to travel or move out of the house if I don’t want to, which is great.
“It’s easy to do online. The tutors give you their e-mails so you can contact them with any queries and I’ve never had any trouble getting a quick response. I’ve also never been made to feel like I’m a nuisance or an old lady.
“The degree I selected is business and tourism, and I opted to do that for a reason. My husband, Paul, who was a doctor many, many years ago, joined the International Wine and Food Festival Society and, although I’m teetotal, he asked me to join with him, as he wanted us both to attend the society’s social functions.
“I love to travel and have been to lots of places, frequenting Egypt many times, and some of the people from the society asked if they could go with me.
“I took twelve that first time and now I take an average of more than double that and we go all over the world.
“I have two trips planned for this year – one to Italy in May and another on the Swiss mountain railways in October. I work with one particular tour company and I design the holiday, while they cost it all out.
“I’m not employed by them, I just love tailormaking the holidays. And, because the group are all older, we like similar things and it allows me to have a nice holiday with them.
“I officially retired in 1991, but I’m a graphic designer so I’ll never truly retire.
“It’s totally silent where I live so it’s very easy for me to focus. Once I start studying I’m totally enthusiastic. On average I put in two hours every single day. Some days I could be there for hours and lose track of time.
“Paul brings lunch in, sometimes dinner and coffees and I’m still there studying. My husband couldn’t be more supportive.
“I do think where I’m at in life makes it easier for me. A lot of younger students have children and need babysitters so that they can ‘attend’ the online lectures. The majority are working as well, so have to juggle.
“I’ve completed one year and hope to finish the degree in three, and I’m very much on track. The Head of Faculty at Arden, Matthew Cooper, has been my inspiration from the word go. I know that Matthew is only at the end of an e-mail. He will respond to any student as soon as he can – he is so good.
“My friends think it’s great, too. Some will say, ‘I don’t know how you’ve got the time.’ But I’ve never been into women’s groups because I tend to get bored so quickly. So I’m always doing something.
“If anyone is considering doing a degree, I’d say do not hesitate, however old you are. Do not hesitate because you will get so much out of it, and it’s given me confidence. Just tell yourself you can do it.”