Rose, 87, Proved It’s Never Too Late to Chase a Dream

On the first day of class, a professor asked students to meet someone new. That simple instruction led to a friendship — and a lesson that would inspire an entire campus.

When a gentle hand touched a young student’s shoulder, he turned to find Rose, a tiny 87-year-old woman with a radiant smile. “Hi handsome,” she said playfully. “Can I give you a hug?” From that moment, their lives intertwined.

Asked why she was in college at her age, Rose grinned and said, “I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids.” Then, more seriously, she added, “I always dreamed of having a college education — and now I’m getting one.”

Over the next months, Rose became a campus legend. She dressed up, joined conversations, and made friends everywhere she went. Her youthful spirit drew people in. Over milkshakes and long walks, she shared her stories and wisdom with her classmates, becoming a living reminder that age is never a barrier to joy.

At the end of the semester, Rose was invited to speak at the football banquet. Nervous but determined, she stepped up to the microphone. When her note cards fell, she joked, “I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me!” Laughter filled the room.

Then she delivered a message no one would forget.

“We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing,” she began. “There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success: laugh every day, dream big, embrace change, and have no regrets. Anybody can grow older — but growing up is a choice.”

Rose concluded her speech by singing “The Rose,” urging students to live by its lyrics.

At the end of the school year, Rose proudly completed the college degree she had always dreamed of earning. Just one week later, she passed away peacefully in her sleep.

More than 2,000 students attended her funeral, honoring the woman who showed them that it’s never too late to learn, to dream, and to live fully.

Her legacy lives on through her words:
“Growing older is mandatory. Growing up is optional.”