79-year-old Alabama woman finally earns her bachelor’s degree

Angerline Day graduated college at the age of 79, having worked hard for four years to earn her degree. The Alabama mother gave up on her dream of earning a psychology degree because she could not afford to continue her post-secondary education at Alabama State University, where she had been enrolled following high school.

Nevertheless, she felt compelled to return and finish her degree after retiring from her long career at JCPenney. Day told WSFA, “I don’t give myself any expiration dates on anything.” She added, “I think I would like to do something to give back to my peers.”

Her boys helped bring her dreams to fruition and gave her the gift of education at Troy University. Despite her commitment to studying from home for four years, she still had difficulties with online learning.

She said, “I love to read. That’s not a problem, I’ll do the assignment but now, I’m supposed to put it in this computer. How in the hell am I going to do that?” 

Frustrated, Day almost threw in the towel, yet she told herself, “I must do this for myself. This is the last opportunity. I’m going to do this this.”

The graduate, feeling contented, strode proudly across the stage to accept her diploma last month. She hopes that her experience will inspire individuals who do not see the light at the end of the tunnel or believe their time is running out.

Day expressed, “Life is there because I’m probably close to the end … and I have to grab it as much as I possibly can while I can.”