Sam Kaplan enrolled in college at the age of 68 and received his summa cum laude diploma from Georgia Gwinnett College this spring.
Sam Kaplan received his bachelor’s degree in cinema and media arts as Georgia Gwinnett College graduates applauded vociferously. According to him, “I’m the first of my seven siblings to earn a degree,” he told ABC 7 Chicago. The newly graduated 72-year-old remarked that attending the event with his mother, who is 99 years old, made him the happiest.
Unusual graduation route
Sam left high school more than 50 years ago; the last time he was in a classroom was in the 1960s. In the years that followed, Kaplan changed careers. Later, he also maintained a telemarketing business in addition to his cleaning business. He drove cabs for a living. A wholesaler of electronics also employed him. He made the decision to enroll in college for the first time when he reached 68.
In an interview posted on the college’s website, Kaplan claimed, “I was riding down 316 and heard on the radio that Georgia Gwinnett College was offering a degree that involved script writing.”
“I stopped on Collins Hill Road because my automobile appeared to be steering itself. I registered for the autumn semester five minutes later,” he recalls.
He didn’t feel the need to go back to school, but one of his goals was to finish graduate school. The father of five had to prioritize his tasks and plan his time. He claims that in the beginning of his studies, he experienced some anxiety about having to get along with classmates who were more than 50 years younger than he was. Kaplan claims he did, however, set a daily objective for himself. He would talk briefly with a new pupil every day by approaching them. In an effort to foster understanding, growth, and experience sharing, he also proposed studying together.
“I believe I get along well with them. On the last day of class, I received embraces from many of them, says Kaplan. He inquired about the future intentions of the other students because he was curious about what they meant to do with their lives. He was courteous and respectful to them.
His mother, Kate Balsley, who taught Kaplan in some of her seminars at Georgia Gwinnett College and now 99 years old, expressed her pride and admiration for him and his academic accomplishments.
Sam was always happy to share pictures and tales from his fascinating life and those of his relatives. Although we are very happy to see him graduate, Prof. Balsley acknowledged that we will miss him. During the graduation ceremony, Kaplan was greeted with rousing applause. His mother, who was 99 years old, couldn’t help but be proud of her son. She viewed her adult son receiving his college diploma with parental love. Sam Kaplan remarked, “She’s thrilled, content, and proud.”
The 72-year-old graduate, who is always up for a challenge, responded that he might pursue further study when asked what he intends to do next. He’s been thinking about getting a master’s. The author of two books, Kalan has always been interested in screenwriting. In an interview with News Nation, Kaplan stated, “I’ve always wanted to write and make stories.
He said, “I’ve always wanted to write a screenplay, and I needed the knowledge of how to do it.”
The saying “It’s never too late”
Sam Kaplan combats the myth that becoming older restricts or prevents people from realizing their aspirations. Kaplan thinks that sharing his experience may encourage those who are debating returning to school but are concerned that it may be too late for them. He declared, “It’s never too late to realize your dreams.”
Sam’s tale serves as a reminder that learning may be a lifetime endeavor at any age provided you have the necessary desire and tenacity. It’s crucial to look forward to the future with optimism, hope, and trust.
