Many people believe that age is just a number.
And, after graduating from Aberdeen University, Wendy Third has declared she is hoping to inspire a new, older, generation of people to return to campus life.
The mother-of-four combined three different jobs alongside her sociology course, and enjoyed herself so much she’s coming back to Aberdeen University for a masters next year.
She said: “This has been a challenging but amazing experience. I am so proud of myself.
“I am hoping to encourage mature students. Education can occasionally be wasted on the young because, as you get older, you appreciate knowledge more and get more out of it.
“If you are thinking of coming back to education, then I say just do it.”
As the last person to graduate from yesterday’s morning ceremony, the 49-year-old received the biggest cheer of the proceedings when she accepted her degree certificate at Elphinstone Hall.
Mrs Third’s highlight over the last four years has been the opportunity to develop so many new friendships in a collegiate setting.
She added: “Aberdeen University is so cosmopolitan. I’ve made friends from places like Moldova and Sweden as well as new Scottish pals. It is such a special thing to experience.”
Mrs Third lives with her husband Paul, a sports writer at the Press and Journal, and has praised his increased involvement in taking care of the family.
She said: “I have been an absent mother and this family has been so supportive.
“Paul has done all the laundry and ironing for the last four years, he has been my rock and the kids have been great as well.”
