The back-to-school commercials have started airing. The summer reading lists are coming due. It’s almost that time of year.
And if students aren’t quite looking forward to getting back into their classrooms this month for another school year, the wise words of a truly remarkable recent college graduate might just help inspire them.
Kimlun Jinakul, a 91-year-old from Phayao, Thailand, earned her Bachelor’s degree after more than 10 years of studying this week, according to the Associated Press. She earned her degree in human and family development — which, at 91, she probably had some insight into, anyway.
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Upon her graduation, Kimlun — who was born in 1925 and lived through civil wars, coups, World Wars, and revolutions — dropped some wisdom about the value of education.
"If we do not study, do not read, do not know, then we won't be able to speak and make sense," she said.
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Kimlun was one of nearly 200 students over the age of 60 who take classes through the public Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, which allows students to attend part-time or take classes remotely, according to the report.
Kimlun and her family traveled to Bangkok for the graduation ceremony, where Kimlun received her diploma directly from Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun. Royal family members typically hand out diplomas at public universities in the country, according to the AP.
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"I am happy and honored that the king has graciously shown such limitless mercy," Kimlun said.
"Sometimes she felt weary because of her body," Kimlun's son, Mongkol Jinakul, told Thai PBS. "But we as her children tried to cheer her on and mom studied until the end and it was a success."
A success indeed. Congratulations, Kimlun.