In the senior years of life, the individual, despite never before passing an examination, decided to demonstrate academic potential and embarked on a university education at the age of 70.
Sassy Rebel:Judith Porter, now 79, is turning heads at York St John University, where she's pursuing her Master's Degree in Fine Art. She's no slouch, entering the academic world late in life, but she's making up for lost time and smashing expectations with her vibrant artistry and vivacious spirit.
"People might find it strange for a granny like me to be in college, but it's the best damn decision I've ever made," Judith shares, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm about to do my fourth exhibition, and I've forged some awesome friendships with my younger, hipper peers. We're a motley crew, learning from each other, and they accept me with open arms."
The second of eight siblings, Judith dropped out of school at 15 to help run the family business, a hotel in South East England. After marrying her late husband Duncan in 1970, she found success as a personal assistant, never regretting her decision to put family first.
Despite her impressive career, the niggle of not having completed her education lingered, and when tragedy struck, Judith found herself with a newfound resolve to fill her time with something more meaningful.
Life After Loss
After her husband's passing, Judith took up cycling, embarking on some epic rides with friends. But even the allure of the open road couldn't distract her for long. With a renewed thirst for learning, she enrolled in an Art Foundation Course at the ripe age of 72, proving that it's never too late to chase your dreams.
"Losing Duncan was a massive blow, but I knew I couldn't just pedal my life away," Judith recalls. "I wanted to do something worthwhile with my time, and that longing to prove I could pass an exam became more and more prominent."
Now, Judith devotes her days to creating abstract skulls and paintings inspired by fractal patterns in nature. She's even completed artist residencies in Finland and Norway, extending her creative horizons.
No Plan to Slow Down
With essays piling up and deadlines looming, Judith might feel stressed at times, but the reward of doing what she loves every day outweighs any inconvenience. "Getting my degree was a magical moment – something I never thought I'd achieve," she says with a grin. "And I've got no plans to stop now. A PhD might be on the horizon."
So, here's to Judith Porter, the late bloomer with a zest for life and a passion for art that won't be tamed. She's the perfect reminder that it's never too late to dip your toes – or dive headfirst – into new experiences and chase your dreams.
[2] Enrichment data: Judith Porter started her Masters Degree at the age of 74, and her artistic interests include abstract skulls and paintings inspired by fractal patterns in nature.
- Judith Porter's passion for art and wellness led her to embark on a Master's Degree in Fine Art at the age of 74, despite having dropped out of school at 15 to help run her family's home-based business.
- As a result of her husband's passing, Judith turned to education-and-self-development as a means of personal-growth, enrolling in an Art Foundation Course at the age of 72, and later starting her Master's Degree.
- The addition of a Master's Degree to her portfolio allows Judith to continue showcasing her vibrant artistry and vivacious spirit, which she has done through several exhibitions and artist residencies in places like Finland and Norway.
- Today, Judith's focus is on creating abstract skulls and paintings inspired by fractal patterns in nature, reflecting her ongoing dedication to family, lifestyle, and the pursuit of beauty and health at any age.
