Woman, 70, proves it's never too late for college

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print

Lorinda Eldredge is preparing to pursue a master's degree.

HERNANDO COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A Hernando County woman is enjoying her golden years - by going back to school.

Lorinda Eldredge said people often ask her "what the heck" she's doing when they hear she's a college student. Yet despite the fact that the 70-year-old woman is doing what few people her age are doing, she's getting ready to start graduate school next month.

Eldredge's unusual path can be traced back to her childhood, which she said wasn't easy because her mother had schizophrenia.

"I was stuck at home with my mom, which was very traumatic for me because she did strange things," she said.

More Information

As a result, Eldredge didn't start school until she was 10. Fortunately, her late start didn't keep her from doing well in school.

"Thank God I had a good brain, because I skipped grades right away," she said.

Her formal education didn't last long, because she dropped out to care for her mom.

Fifty years later, she decided to go back.

Eldredge passed her high school equivalency exam without picking up a book. Then she was off to college. She said a lot of people told her she was crazy, but that didn't stop her.

This past May, Eldredge graduated from St. Leo University with a 3.6 GPA and a degree in psychology.

She ended up graduating with a 3.6 GPA and a degree in psychology from St. Leo University in May.

Now her future plans include graduate school, which she hopes will help her become an addiction counselor. Then, if all goes according to plan, she hopes to start her Ph.D. in two years.

"Well, yeah, I can have my Ph.D. on my tombstone," Eldredge said.

She said her only wish is that she could go back to help her mom with what she knows today.

"Mom, this is for you. God bless you, and I'm sure you're at peace now," she said. "I know both my parents would be proud of me."

Be in the Know with Bay News 9 Now!

Get news, weather, and traffic alerts delivered directly to your computer desktop, e-mail, or cell phone with Bay News 9 Now.

Subscribe for free!

In-depth with Charlie Crist

crist Florida Gov. Charlie Crist responds to backlash from his own party, corruption in politics, critics who say he backtracked on supporting the federal stimulus, and much more. It's all Sunday on Political Connections at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.