Age may change our appearance, but it cannot extinguish the desire to dream. In Hualien, Taiwan, 79-year-old Mei-Chu Chen (陳美珠), a member of the Taroko indigenous community and a long-time Tzu Chi care recipient, has just achieved a milestone many thought impossible—she graduated from university, earning her diploma and the admiration of all who know her.

Wearing her cap and gown, Mei-Chu stood proudly among her classmates, the oldest recipient ever of the Tzu Chi's New Shoots Scholarship in Eastern Taiwan. Her journey is a testament to the belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit.

Returning to School After Raising a Family

For most of her life, Mei-Chu devoted herself to her family and home. Until the age of sixty, she had only completed elementary school. Once her children were grown, she decided to pick up her books again. She completed junior high and high school in her hometown of Wanrong, Hualien, before enrolling in university.

Despite the challenges of returning to school at an older age, Mei-Chu never missed a class, often arriving before the teachers. Her dedication earned her a perfect attendance award and the respect of her peers and teachers alike.

Embracing Every Challenge

Learning did not come easily. Mei-Chu approached every subject with determination, especially English. She made use of every tool available—looking up words online, asking her children and grandchildren for help, and never hesitating to seek advice from classmates. Her youthful spirit and willingness to embrace new things inspired everyone around her.

Her younger classmates were deeply moved by her perseverance. “Mei-Chu’s grades are impressive, but it’s her attitude and effort that inspire us most,” shared one fellow graduate. “She motivates us all to work harder and never give up.”

A Family’s Pride and a Community’s Inspiration

At the graduation ceremony, Mei-Chu’s daughter offered heartfelt congratulations, expressing pride in her mother’s determination to fulfill a lifelong dream. For Mei-Chu, the experience of university life was rich and colorful. “I am truly satisfied to have received my diploma,” she said, reflecting on how learning reignited her passion for life and transformed past hardships into motivation for the future.

Mei-Chu Chen’s journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue knowledge. Through her gentle yet steadfast determination, she has shown that learning brings freedom, strength, and renewed purpose—at any age.

Written by Yi-Ting Wang (王藝婷)

Source: 我79歲、我大學畢業了 東區新芽獎學金最高齡獲獎「萌」主