Grandma Finishes Associate Degree at 89-Years-Old, Plans To Earn History Major Next

Ella Washington is a living proof that you can never be too old to accomplish your goals. At 89-years-old, the woman who was born in rural North Carolina and raised 12 children while working a full-time job, recently received her associate degree in interdisciplinary studies after letting her education take a back seat when she was still younger.

Washington was only able to complete grade 6 when she was young as she had to work in their family farm. After having her own family, she moved to Washington D.C. and took on several jobs to help provide for her children.

Ella Washington had to let her education take a back seat when she was young as she had to help in their family farm in North Carolina.

According to her daughter Ellen Mitchell, despite her limited education back then, Washington taught all of her children how to read, write, and do math before they even began school – something that she acquired from her own grandmother.

“Her desire for learning and for pursuing an education became a family tradition,” Mitchell said.

While Washington worked most of her life (from a custodian at the Pentagon to a certified nursing assistant at an adult daycare) and only retired six years ago, she felt that there’s more in life that she can accomplish. Hence, at the age of 83 years old, she enrolled in Liberty University in Washington upon the suggestion of her daughter. Back in 1978, she already obtained her GED diploma after she enrolled in adult education.

She has always had the passion for learning. So she enrolled for an associate degree in Liberty University at the age of 83.

Finally, Washington received her associate diploma degree in interdisciplinary studies recently. While such a feat is already awe-inspiring, it seems that she will not stop at having an associate degree as she draws a bead on majoring in history.

After all, the 89-year-old woman believes that education will help people make the best of their lives.

Now 89, she intends to study further – and a degree in history is her next target.

Washington said:

“To me, history is a great subject. Everybody should know their history and learn more about it. A lot of people don’t know much about history. There’s nothing wrong with learning more.”