“I would like this story to be an example for much younger people to say to themselves ‘if this old man could do it, I can do it too,’” Way Bandy said. Way Bandy is an American grandfather who, after much time and effort, managed to graduate from the University of South Florida at the age of 81. Incredible work considering the last time he studied was almost 50 years ago. Bandy had attended the universities of Samford and Alabama, but at 22 he was forced to work and support his family, so he had to put his studies aside.
His priorities at the time were different. The man told ‘Good Morning America’ that his biggest motivation to resume his career was a special promise he made to his mother. “My mother, bless his heart… what he instilled in me as a child was, ‘The two most important things are your health and your word of honor. I want your word of honor that one day you will come back and graduate,” he said.
“I would like this story to be an example for much younger people to say ‘if this old man could do it, I can do it too,’” he said. The grandfather of eight admitted feeling relieved since it was over and offered some advice for those on the complicated path to higher education.
“Take your time, stay one step ahead of your goal and promise yourself it will be over. Whatever motivates you to do it, do it. If I can do it, anyone can do it, and I promise it from the bottom of my heart,” he concluded. Bandy now has a “general studies” degree in biology, specifically wetlands, which are very common in the state. from Florida.
