Education
Finding
Community Through
Through many hurdles in my life, I was able to achieve this dream right here at CSUN. I did this at 84 years old. I am living proof that it is never too late to set a goal and reach it. I have done a lot in my life.
In 1954, I was kicked out of high school during my senior year. Following this, I took a break from my education. I decided to join the U.S. Navy where I served for eight years and got my GED. After the service, I was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
In my 40s, I realized that getting a degree in psychology is something that I wanted to do in my life. I enjoyed psychology for the reason of having a way to explore inside my own head. I did other things for many years. I found success in acting, appearing in movies and commercials.
MATADOR REALIZES DREAM,
84-Year-Old
After all of this, I found myself at the doors of CSUN in my 80s. I was here to finally obtain the degree I wanted, and that is exactly what I did. I won’t deny that getting through school was a lot harder to do at this age compared to the past. However, I was able to get through it and form new friendships with fellow students who embraced me at CSUN along the way. I was as much of a student as they were.
Now that this goal is accomplished, I do not want to stop here. I want to continue my education in January. I appreciate my time here at CSUN and would like everyone to know that it is never too late to finish your education. There are a lot of former students and veterans out there who may feel that they missed their chance of achieving a college degree. I want to prove that if I can do it, anyone can. I want to help fellow CSUN students chase their dreams as well. The school helped me realize a dream.
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GRADUATES FROM California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
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Feeling inspired by this uplifting story? Want to prove to yourself that “if [he] can do it, anyone can” and want to earn while you learn? The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) might be your golden ticket. Designed for low-income, unemployed older adults, SCSEP provides paid training as a community service opportunity with non-profit and government agencies. Qualifying participants will gain valuable training and employment skills while earning the highest federal, state, or local minimum wage. Ready to explore more? On this map, click on the county you live, or call 1-800-510-2020 to find a SCSEP Program near you.