Despite the physical ailments of his age, Rene Neira overcame adversity and managed to graduate after almost sixty years. “His colleagues, I think, were motivated and inspired to see him,” acknowledged his granddaughter.
An inspiring story took place this week at the University of Texas, where a Grandpa 87 years old, just days after his 88th birthday, he graduated from Economics in the same class as his granddaughter.
Rene Neira, American, resumed his studies after starting them in the 50s in the Anglo-Saxon country. In the last four decades, he has returned to the classroom intermittently, with 2021 being the year in which he was finally able to conclude the journey he had undertaken.
“We never had classes together, but sometimes we would meet for lunch in the cafeteria, or sometimes we would study together in the library”her granddaughter, Melanie Salazar, pointed to the chain CBS.
“His classmates, I think, were motivated and inspired to see him,” added the graduate, who was a fundamental part of Neira’s milestone.
Despite the fact that the older adult did not obtain the necessary credits to officially graduate, the university decided to grant him a “Recognition title” after his family interceded.
“It was definitely a special moment, I’m proud of my grandfather”Said Salazar, who also detailed the physical difficulties that Rene had to face to achieve his goal: hearing problems and cerebral vasculopathy.
The last diagnosis even delayed him for a full semester, a fact that did not end up demotivating him. History has given around the world.
ICYMI: Something very special happened this weekend at #UTSA Commencement: Rene Neira, 87, crossed the stage with his granddaughter, Melanie Salazar. She received her B.A. in Comms. He will earn his B.A. in Economics. Family goals!
# UTSAGrad21 @UTSAHC @UTSACOLFA @UTSABusiness pic.twitter.com/jSsUSeyR4F
– UTSA (@UTSA) December 13, 2021
.