December 23rd 2023.
Sarah Simpkins is an inspiring example of never giving up on your dreams. At 101 years old, she is returning to college to finish her degree alongside her granddaughter Halimah Shepherd-Crawford. Sarah began attending Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina when she was 20 years old. But at the time, she was pregnant with her first child and had to drop out to focus on her family.
Despite having 12 children, Sarah never gave up on her dream of returning to school. She moved to Virginia when she was 96 years old to live with her granddaughter Halimah. Halimah is currently enrolled at Brightpoint Community College in Chester, Virginia and is also expected to graduate at the same time as Sarah.
Halimah helps her grandmother with certain aspects of the course, as Sarah’s age makes it difficult for her. Halimah said, “I study the assignment, explain it to her and then she gives me her answers. I’m her hands and eyes, but it’s her brain. She’s still super sharp.”
Sarah and Halimah will receive their diploma in May next year and Sarah will be 102. Sarah is grateful to have been given the chance to finish her education and said, “It’s something that I had to do. I’m very, very grateful that God has enabled me to do this.”. Virginia’s Higher Education Act of 1974 allows those over 60 to enroll in higher education courses for credit or audit classes without paying tuition fees.
Sarah is enjoying every moment of this experience and loves her art classes on Tuesday and Thursday. She said, “When I go to do the homework, that’s easy. A piece of cake!” Her secret to longevity is staying happy and joyful at all times, and living in the moment.
Halimah said her grandmother is an inspiration. She said, “It’s special because we both will finish together, and we’ll both walk across the stage together. It made us work harder. And that was our motivation. We’re gonna do this together. We’re gonna finish together.”
Sarah and Halimah’s story is similar to 101-year-old PE teacher Madge Brown who was awarded her degree 60 years after graduating. She didn’t get a degree when she studied at teacher training college in the 30s and 40s, but now has the all-important piece of paper.
The future is bright for Sarah and Halimah and we can’t wait to see them walk across the stage together in May next year. Sarah is a true inspiration and a reminder to never give up on our dreams.
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