Melanie Salazar is an 18-year-old college student and like many girls her age, she enjoys being in college. She has a rather unique reason for enjoying it, however, she goes to college with her 82-year-old grandfather, Rene Neira!
As it turns out, these two are not only family, they are classmates as well!
Salazar started her first year at college where her grandfather is taking the last class he needs for his associates degree in economics.
In the 1950s, Neira attending college for a brief time but he stopped going to get married and start a family. He continued to take classes here and there but his granddaughter said it was never anything consistent until his wife died in 2009.
As classmates, they walk each other to class and often meet for lunch.
“It’s been pretty awesome,” she said. “I know it’s only going to be for one semester, but I’m going to cherish that while I can.”
When Salazar tweeted about her grandfather’s accomplishment on the first day of class Wednesday, it caught people’s attention.
People were calling him inspiring, and saying his story is proof that it is never too late to pursue your goals.
Salazar says that her grandpa is her best friend and that it is inspiring to spend her college days alongside him.
“It only motivates me more to not give up,” she said. “It makes me realise the importance of getting an education like my grandpa…so I can accomplish something great like him.”
Neira is the son of immigrants and has always been involved in both politics and the community. In the 1960s, he took part in the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement.
Although he admits he was not a model student growing up, he has come to value education.
“Sometimes I wonder, what in the world is an 82-year old doing, going to college?” he said. “But somehow, something keeps me going. I think it keeps me mentally alert, too.”
As it turns out, he is not finished with his education yet. After he gets his associates degree, he wants to continue to get a bachelor’s degree in economics.
“I’m not trying to inspire Melanie, or anybody,” he said. “I’m glad that’s what it’s doing, but I’m just doing what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Salazar is proud of her grandfather and already admits she is definitely going to cry at his graduation.
“Just last June, he watched me cross my high school stage and now I’m going to get to watch him cross the college stage,” she said.
“He’s very proud of me, and I’m very proud of him.”
Via: Buzzfeed
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