College dream comes true at 75
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Jang Neum-e
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Jang Neum-e, 75, has finally realized her dream of becoming a college student.
This follows her completion of a regular high school course at Ilsung Women’s Secondary School in Mapo, western Seoul. She then entered Baekseok Art University through a special admission program for students of national merits.
Jang is the school’s oldest student who goes to college this year.
Born and raised in Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province, she dropped out of primary school because of the 1950-53 Korean War.
After the war, she graduated from primary school but could not afford middle school because her father died in the conflict.
Jang, the eldest daughter, had to support her family.
Now, almost 60 years later, she is finally completing her studies. In the meantime, she has married and raised five children.
She studied at a private academy in Chungmuro, central Seoul for the middle school education certificate and passed the qualification exam after four months.
In 2013, Jang entered Ilsung Women’s Secondary School, which provides middle and high school courses for the elderly who had no education opportunities when they were young.
“My mother believed education makes changes,” said Jang. “She and my late husband would be so proud of me if they were here.”
Jang’s goal is more than just getting into college.
“I am going to major in Chinese and history at the college,” she said. “And I want to be a tour guide for Chinese tourists, introducing Korea’s historic sites.”
Ilsung Women’s Secondary School provides education for women in their 40s to 80s who started to study late.
This year, 315 middle and 215 high school students will graduate. The graduation ceremony will be at the Mapo Art Center on Feb. 25.