A grandfather of eight has graduated from the University of South Florida St.
Petersburg almost five decades after he was last in school.
81-year-old Way Bandy finally got his bachelor’s degree when he walked on the graduation stage to take his diploma.
His youngest son Kyle and loving wife Nancy were cheering for him along with other people.
The heartwarming ceremony came after his longtime promise to his mother, who sadly passed away in 2003.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Bandy said: “My mother, bless her heart … the thing she drilled into me as a child was, ‘The two of the most important things are your health and your word of honor. I want your word of honor that one day you’ll go back and get your degree.’”
Bandy dropped out of school to marry the love of his life and start a family.
When his mother passed away, he collected his transcripts and applied to USF as he needed one course to graduate.
He studied hard and passed the final exam in biology.
Speaking about the teacher who graded the final exam in front of him, Bandy said: “All of a sudden she was giving me hug, we’re doing a high-five and a fist bump.
“I get in the hallway, I threw up my arms like I did a touchdown and I screamed, ‘Yes! I did it!’”
The grandfather of eight hopes to inspire other people, of any generation and age, to finish school if they have the chance.
“Take your time, stay ahead of your goal and promise yourself you’ll finish,” he said. “Whatever motivates you to do it, do it. If I can do it, anybody can — and I promise that from the bottom of my heart.”
Congratulations, Bandy!
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Replaced!