She’s old enough to remember the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and most recently, the rise of the digital information age.
Adding one more historical event to her life, 99-year-old Doreetha Daniels graduated college on Friday, accomplishing her own personal goal of earning a college degree before turning 100.
“I accomplished what I wanted to do… this is my dream come true,” she said.
Daniels stole the show at the graduation ceremony at the College of the Canyons when she was presented her diploma for associate of the arts degree from College of the Canyons.
She’d been dreaming of going to college since she was a young girl growing up in Nebraska. Her final inspiration to go to school came when she watched her grandchildren get their master’s degrees.
“So I said well, I’m not doing anything, I’m tired of my hobbies, so I’m going to go to school,” Daniels said.
She lost her driver’s license after suffering two strokes during her seven years studying at the college. Her son said despite the impediment, she didn’t slow down.
“Yeah, she’s fragile but her mind is sharp as a tack,” Robert Daniels said.
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Daniels also interned at the counseling office and stole the hearts of the entire staff.
“You are so inspirational and have impacted the lives of all those who had the honor of working with you,” College counselor Liz Shaker told Daniels.
Now that she has her associate’s degree, her family is encouraging her to go for her bachelor’s. Doreetha said she’ll think about it.
