Quang Nam (VNS/VNA) - Le Phuoc Thiet,an 85-year-old man in the central coastal province of Quang Nam, has just beenawarded a master’s degree in business management from Duy Tan University.

Thiet set his mind on gaining his master’s 14years after graduating from university in the United States.

“Graduation day was one of the most importantdays in my life because it fulfilled all my dreams,” he said.

Thiet took his wife and seven children to theUnited States since 1975. When all his children were married, he started tothink about going to university. Thiet was 60 years old at the time.

He graduated in finance at a university inCalifornia in 2001. After getting his bachelor’s degree, Thiet was planning togo for his master’s, but his wife fell seriously ill, so he had to spend bothhis time and money to take care of her. His dream was delayed for many years.

When his wife recovered in 2012, the coupledecided to return Vietnam, Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper reported.

Three years later, Thiet once again thoughtabout going back to school. He began his master’s course in 2015 at Duy TanUniversity in Da Nang, registering for a class that started at 6pm and finishedat 9pm three days a week.

The university is about 40km far from Thiet’shouse, so he had to take a bus to school. When the class finished, his nephewpicked him up and took him home by motorbike. His nephew, Le Phuoc My, is alsoThiet’s classmate.

“My uncle is very studious,” My said. Theonly time he missed a class was when he was in hospital, he added.

“Bad weather was never a reason for him not togo to the school,” he said. My said his grandfather’s dedication gave him themotivation to learn.

Thiet said if the rain was light, he and hisnephew returned home after class, but if it was heavy they would rent a hotelroom.

“Sometimes I think of those days sitting behindmy nephew on his motorbike in the pouring rain. I don’t know how I survived,” Thietadded. “Fortunately, God blessed me and I feel thankful for that,” he said.

Thiet said to complete the course in threeyears, he had to arrange subjects depending on levels of difficulty. Based onthe list, he would spend more time learning subjects with higher levels ofdifficulty so that he could pass his exams.

English, philosophy and human resources werethree subjects he was good at, he said.

He spent a lot of time on his homework, andtalking to younger students in his class to learn more about issues that hefound difficult. “I learnt a lot from my younger classmates,” he said.

Thiet learnt how to use a laptop, chat withteachers and classmates and make slideshows.

Thiet is also working on his health, andrecently bought a treadmill and which he spends 30 minutes per day on. “I needto stay healthy to go to school and finish the course of my life,” he said.

Vo Thanh Hai, vice principle of the university,said he admired the way Thiet had tried to finish the course. “He is an excellentexample for youngsters,” Hai said.

Thiet was one of the outstanding students on thecourse thanks to his non-stop efforts, Hai said.

Speaking at his graduation day, Thiet said: “Ifeel happier than ever; my old-age has become more meaningful thanks to thisday.”-VNS/VNA