Paul Grizelle-Reid is not your average college graduate. At 82, the U.S. Army veteran has been recognized as Valencia College’s oldest graduate this year, a feat that’s shattering perceptions about the boundaries of age and education. Having moved to Poinciana to help care for his brother with Parkinson’s disease, Grizelle-Reid’s educational journey began modestly with a Spanish class at Valencia College’s Poinciana Campus. It appears that this single act of broadening his horizons was enough to eventually truly ignite a passion for lifelong learning.
According to WFTV, the octogenarian quickly became an integral part of the college community by taking nearly all of his classes in person and forming strong bonds with classmates and professors alike. His dedication extended well beyond the classroom walls. Not only did he commit to meticulously completing his coursework, but he also traveled to Ireland with his peers, an experience that highlighted the strong camaraderie he found at Valencia.
Persistence has carried Paul to impressive academic heights. As reported by Positively Osceola, he has now completed his Associate in Arts degree from Valencia College, marking a noteworthy chapter in an already vibrant and varied life. His accomplishments have served as an inspiring beacon for students and faculty alike, reinforcing the message that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age limit…