NEW YORK, June 20: At the age of 105, Virginia "Ginger" Hislop fulfilled a lifelong dream by receiving her master's degree in education, 83 years after she left school during World War II. Hislop's educational journey began in 1940 when she earned her bachelor's degree from the Stanford University School of Education. However, her plans to complete her master's degree were interrupted when her boyfriend, George Hislop, was called up to serve in the war. The couple married and left campus just before she could submit her final thesis.

Reflecting on her decision to prioritize marriage over her academic pursuits, Hislop remarked, "I thought it was one of the things I could pick up along the way if I needed it, and I always enjoyed studying, so that wasn't really a great concern to me -- and getting married was."

Despite not obtaining her master's degree at the time, Hislop remained engaged in the field of education. She served on her local school board, chaired the Yakima School Board of Directors, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Yakima Community College and Heritage University in Washington.

After 83 years, Hislop returned to Stanford University to accept her long-awaited master's degree. During the GSE Diploma ceremony, she walked across the stage and received her diploma from Dean Daniel Schwartz. "My goodness," Hislop expressed, "I've waited a long time for this."

Hislop's remarkable journey serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to education and lifelong learning, inspiring generations to pursue their academic aspirations regardless of age or circumstance.