An 87-year-old grandfather from Portsmouth has graduated with a degree
after studying a distance learning course over six years.
Bill Eaton, who also works as a lay preacher, has graduated alongside
legions of younger graduates this summer and has online learning to thank
for enabling him to complete the course at such an advanced age.
Bill was able to take the course in his own time and fit the work between
his sermons, allowing him to gain a degree in theology and learn at
home.
Studying was no walk in the park, says Bill, who explained, "I did enjoy it
immensely, it was difficult - it took me six years! I spent hours and hours
studying every week."
The modest gent even went as far as keeping his studies a secret from his
nearest and dearest: "I was not going to tell anybody about my studying.
But when I got the cap and gown photos one of my good friends saw it and
that was it."
The former RAF engineer is a grandfather of nine and a great-grandfather of
eight. He wanted to take the course to help improve his preaching work and
he explained that the course boosted his confidence, as well as his
skills.
Bill's daughter Carol and her family were there to share the graduation
with Bill. Carol said, "It was a bit odd to see him graduate, it is usually
the other way round!"
Thinking of taking the
first step towards learning? See learners describe
their experiences, so you know exactly what to expect. 