After decades of hard work, 80-year-old Virginia Vietnam War veteran Linwood Riddick has finally accomplished a longstanding dream by earning a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry from South Carolina State University SC State.
Riddick delayed his scholastic aspirations after serving in the military during the Vietnam War, while many of his colleagues went on to attend college. He retired at the age of 72 after running a prosperous souvenir company for more than 30 years. But he was always determined to get a college degree.
He kept his word, travelling from Summerville, South Carolina, for courses every day for forty-five minutes, and he became a committed member of the university’s concert choir. His presence and commitment gained widespread recognition on campus.
Before Riddick ever hit the stage during graduation, SC State President Alexander Conyers stopped the program to honour him, describing him as an inspiration. As he proudly accepted his certificate, which he had fought so hard to get, the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
After giving it some thought, Riddick said that going to college kept his soul and intellect active. “You have to make use of your mind, body, soul, and spirit,” he said.
It’s never too late to follow your aspirations and have a significant effect, Riddick now hopes his experience will inspire others.
CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Allschoolabs
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