In a heartwarming tale of lifelong learning, a 72-year-old Georgia resident recently graduated from college with a degree in cinema studies, and his proud, 98-year-old mother was in attendance.
Sam Kaplan had opted not to pursue higher education when he graduated from high school in 1969. However, in 2019, Kaplan, who had always loved to write and tell stories, heard on the radio that Georgia Gwinnett College was offering a degree in cinema studies.
Without hesitation, he exited the highway and registered for class.
Kaplan said that the experience was nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding. He graduated summa cum laude with a major in cinema and media arts and plans to write more screenplays in the future.
The cherry on top of Kaplan’s big day was that his mother, Virginia Kaplan, was in attendance during the graduation ceremony. “I am so proud of him,” she said. “With his new degree, he’s going to be so successful in anything he does.
And, who knows, I might even be in the movies,” the overjoyed mother, who will turn 99 soon, added.
Kaplan’s story shows that it is never too late to pursue one’s passions and goals. Despite the challenges of returning to school after a long absence, Kaplan persevered and achieved his dream.
His story serves as an inspiration for people of all ages to follow their aspirations and continue learning throughout their lives.
