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For many newly minted college graduates, putting on their caps and gowns marks the beginning of their lives in "the real world." But Bored Panda has compiled a list of people who probably didn't need the life advice that commencement speakers are giving out — they already got the experience. From a 98-year-old getting his high school diploma, to a 70-year-old college grad, these folks are living proof that you're never too old to learn.

#1

This 98-Years-Old Man Never Got To Get His High School Diploma Because He Was Drafted In World War II His Senior Year And He Finally Got It Today

This 98-Years-Old Man Never Got To Get His High School Diploma Because He Was Drafted In World War II His Senior Year And He Finally Got It Today

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Elisabeth Bergbom
Community Member
7 years ago

Aww, he looks so happy!

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    #2

    97-Year-Old Woman Cries Tears Of Joy After Finally Getting Her High School Diploma

    97-Year-Old Woman Cries Tears Of Joy After Finally Getting Her High School Diploma

    Margaret Thome Bekema, 97, never graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High in 1936 like she was supposed to. Instead, in 1932, she was forced to leave school to take care of her siblings and her mother who was sick with cancer. However, thanks to a distant relative, Bekema recently received an honorary diploma, just 79 years after she was supposed to graduate.

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    Elisabeth Bergbom
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This gave me shivers of joy<3

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    #3

    72 Years After Being Forced Into An Internment Camp During WWII, This Couple Received Their High School Diplomas

    72 Years After Being Forced Into An Internment Camp During WWII, This Couple Received Their High School Diplomas

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    Kaisu
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    I'm truly sorry for what they had to go through and I'm glad they still pursued their academic career at a later age

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    #4

    My Grandmother, 77, Graduated With Her PhD And Is The University’s Oldest Graduate. It’s Never Too Late!

    My Grandmother, 77, Graduated With Her PhD And Is The University’s Oldest Graduate. It’s Never Too Late!

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    Tanisha Finlayson
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Awesome also 70 beauty goals

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    #5

    My Graduating Class And Our 92-Year-Old Classmate

    My Graduating Class And Our 92-Year-Old Classmate

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    Kaisu
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Wow that's amazing and she looks so happy

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    #6

    And Now He Graduated

    And Now He Graduated

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    Kaisu
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Amazing successes, congratulations!

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    #7

    The Best Part Of My Graduation Ceremony Last Month. She Got A Standing Ovation

    The Best Part Of My Graduation Ceremony Last Month. She Got A Standing Ovation

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    Char Char
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Onion ninjas in full force today.

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    #8

    Friend Of Mine Graduated In Law School At The Age Of 94

    Friend Of Mine Graduated In Law School At The Age Of 94

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    Mimi
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    These graduates look so much younger, like in their late 60ies. Learning seems to combat ageing. I admire these people!

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    #9

    My Dad Just Graduated At The Age Of 71. My Mum Wanted A Nice Picture Of 'Her Boys'

    My Dad Just Graduated At The Age Of 71. My Mum Wanted A Nice Picture Of 'Her Boys'

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    Symtpom
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    I thought the guy in the back was just really tall

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    #10

    It's Never Too Late

    It's Never Too Late

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    Pretty Pangolin
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    He looks so proud! Well done.

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    #11

    My Mom Graduating From Law School In America At 55, Thirteen Years After Immigrating In Exile From Venezuela

    My Mom Graduating From Law School In America At 55, Thirteen Years After Immigrating In Exile From Venezuela

    iiLuxurious Report

    DemPugs
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    She's 55?!

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    #12

    Me And My Dad (25, And 51) Just Graduated College In The Same Class!

    Me And My Dad (25, And 51) Just Graduated College In The Same Class!

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    A B C
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Don't know if I wanted to sit in class with my dad :D but congrats to the both of you :)

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    #13

    My 72-Year-Old Dad Graduated College With Honors Last Weekend

    My 72-Year-Old Dad Graduated College With Honors Last Weekend

    He is a Vietnam era veteran and a first generation college graduate.

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    Petra
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Triple WOW!

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    #14

    My Pops Graduated For The Second Time

    My Pops Graduated For The Second Time

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    Nancy Jeckells
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Big Dawg !!

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    #15

    Single Mother Of 5 Proudly Poses With Children In Her Law School Graduation Photo

    Single Mother Of 5 Proudly Poses With Children In Her Law School Graduation Photo

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    A B C
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    The youngest stating "I helped" reminds me of that boy in Starship Troopers saying "I'm doing my part, too". Guess most of you won't know the movie, though.

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    #16

    WWII Vet Got High School Diploma At 93

    WWII Vet Got High School Diploma At 93

    It’s never too late to graduate, and Glenn Holtz, 93-year-old World War II veteran proved that during a graduation ceremony at an Illinois high school when he walked across a stage with high school seniors to get his diploma 75 years after he originally attended high school.

    guns.com Report

    Elisabeth Bergbom
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    I have tears i my eyes... those eyes have seen a lot haven't they

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    #17

    If She Can Do It We Can Do It Too

    If She Can Do It We Can Do It Too

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    #18

    When My Grandmother Became The Oldest Graduate Of East Tennessee State University At The Age Of 87 Year Old

    When My Grandmother Became The Oldest Graduate Of East Tennessee State University At The Age Of 87 Year Old

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    Max L.
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Wow, she looks 30 years younger to say the least !

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    #19

    Two Graduates

    Two Graduates

    This is my mom and older brother. I am extremely proud of both of them. I am especially proud of my mom. She is a mother of 8 and managed to go back to school while working full time. She inspires me and everyone around her to work hard and never give up . I hope this will show others that it is never too late to back to school.

    shampooking252 Report

    #20

    I'm 65 And Just Graduated College. You Are Never Too Old To Learn!

    I'm 65 And Just Graduated College. You Are Never Too Old To Learn!

    TweakedMonkey Report

    Catherine Hankinson
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    65?! Don't you mean 45?! You look amazing!

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    #21

    Today, My 62-Year-Old Immigrant Grandmother Graduated With A Bachelor's In Accounting & Finance Today From CSUF

    Today, My 62-Year-Old Immigrant Grandmother Graduated With A Bachelor's In Accounting & Finance Today From CSUF

    carolyndao Report

    Petra
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Difficult BA, wow.

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    #22

    To All The People Feeling Behind Everyone Else Graduating At 22, This Man Is 81 And Just Walked In CSU's Graduation With A Bachelor's Degree

    To All The People Feeling Behind Everyone Else Graduating At 22, This Man Is 81 And Just Walked In CSU's Graduation With A Bachelor's Degree

    kananablah Report

    Elisabeth Bergbom
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Good for him!

    #23

    My Mom Graduating With Her PhD In Social Work From Tulane

    My Mom Graduating With Her PhD In Social Work From Tulane

    Her goal was to graduate by 60 and she did it with a year to spare. Super proud of her.

    liftingtailsofcats Report

    Luis Milian
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    she looks so happy and proud! very gorgeous as well

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    #24

    Me And My Mom, 49 Years Old, Graduated Nursing School Together In May

    Me And My Mom, 49 Years Old, Graduated Nursing School Together In May

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    Giorgio Prodoti
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    who is the mom and who is the daughter?

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    #25

    91-Year-Old Donald Doll Receives His High School Diploma After Leaving Before Graduation To Join The NAVY In 1945

    91-Year-Old Donald Doll Receives His High School Diploma After Leaving Before Graduation To Join The NAVY In 1945

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    Andrew Reyes
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    No comments for the WWII Navy vet? Congratulations Sir and thank you for your service!!!

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    #26

    Today My 73-Year-Old Grandma Finally Graduates High School

    Today My 73-Year-Old Grandma Finally Graduates High School

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    #27

    Both My Mom And I Are Graduating Today

    Both My Mom And I Are Graduating Today

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    Jona Thiessen
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Bravo 👏!

    #28

    My Mum Just Graduated With A First Class Honours Degree After Leaving School At Sixteen To Have Me, And Being Diagnosed Dyslexic As An Adult, And I Think That's Pretty Awesome

    My Mum Just Graduated With A First Class Honours Degree After Leaving School At Sixteen To Have Me, And Being Diagnosed Dyslexic As An Adult, And I Think That's Pretty Awesome

    Colenelshitpostermcgee Report

    Nancy Jeckells
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    love this photo !

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    #29

    My 69-Year-Old Mom Graduated From Murray State University In Kentucky

    My 69-Year-Old Mom Graduated From Murray State University In Kentucky

    Yesterday my 69 year old mom graduated from Murray State University in Kentucky. She decided to go to school after my step-dad passed away about 5 years ago. It’s never too late to go back. She got Bachelors in Fine Arts for painting. She did ceramics and woodworking in her program also.

    blusun2 Report

    Petra
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    Congratulations!

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    #30

    My Mom With My Step Dad After She Graduated With Her PhD

    My Mom With My Step Dad After She Graduated With Her PhD

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    Elisabeth Bergbom
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    I love they way they look at each other... so lovely