Does it ever cross your mind that you want to do something but change your mind because you think it’s too late?
Do you want to study baking, learn a new language, or get your college degree?
Not all of us are lucky enough to pursue our dreams, such as studying.
But is it really too late to pursue a lifelong dream?
For Sam Kaplan, age is just a number.
Kaplan decided to return to school at 68 and earned his college degree after spending 50 years living his life.
Just last May 11, 2023, Kaplan, who is now 72 years old, received his first college diploma with a degree in Cinema and Media Arts.
Kaplan’s 99-year-old mother cheered for him.
Five decades ago, Kaplan graduated from high school in 1969.
Unfortunately, he didn’t go to college.
The young man married and became a father of five beautiful children.
He also started working and earning his own money to support his growing family.
Kaplan learned so many skills and worked different jobs.
He learned how to run a telemarketing company and a cleaning service.
Kaplan was outstanding in customer service for an electronics wholesale distributor and worked as a part-time taxi driver.
He never really felt that something was missing in his life.
Kaplan was content and happy with his career until he heard something on the radio while driving one day.
“I was riding down 316 and heard on the radio that Georgia Gwinnett College was offering a degree that involved script writing,” Kaplan recalled. “My car seemed to have developed automatic steering, and I pulled off on Collins Hill Road. Five minutes later, I was registering for the fall semester.”
What made him sign up?
He wanted to grab the opportunity to learn about Cinema and Media Arts.
It was his dream, his passion, and when he had the chance, he grabbed it.
Kaplan felt so excited as he returned to school, but there were big adjustments.
He found many differences between him and his younger classmates.
Hobbies, how they speak, what they like to listen to, or even the food they love were very different.
As he got used to attending college, he found common ground with his fellow students – communication.
“When you ask a student about what they want and plan on doing and find out what they want to do with their lives; I think that’s uncommon with a lot of kids—they don’t get that with people,” Kaplan shared. “I think I have a good relationship with them. I got hugs from a lot of them on the last day of classes.”
These teens felt they had a mentor, a wise father figure they could talk to.
He told them about his wisdom and life lessons and was there to listen to them.
Years passed quickly, and on May 11, Kaplan attended his graduation.
The graduation ceremony was made special by the presence of all his family members, but he dedicated his diploma to one person – his 99-year-old mother.
“This is my first undergraduate degree,” Kaplan shared. “I’m the first of my seven siblings to earn a degree.”
Now at 72 years old, Sam Kaplan finally received his degree and aims to fulfill more dreams!
Do you have a dream that you’ve always wanted to do?
Grab the opportunity and aim high! It’s never too late to dream!
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