Once called the 'stupid kid,' London woman graduates high school forty years later

Many students are happy to be graduating from high school this month, but Maureen Gillian is truly savouring the accomplishment.

And for good reason. The London woman just received her diploma at the age of 59.

"I danced across the stage," she told CBC London Morning host Rebecca Zandbergen, of her recent graduation ceremony.

Then,Gillian gave one of her favourite teachers, Deb Hunter, "a big hug" before accepting her diploma and transcript.

More than 40 years ago, Gillian dropped out of school. She came from a poor family that was always on the move. She never had the chance to master phonics.

Back then, she said, she was labelled the "stupid kid" who was told to "sit in the corner and shut up". "I actually had teachers call me that. Not now."

A 70s Drop Out

Gillian says in those days women got married, had children and life went on. But she eventually found herself parenting solo and had to go to work.At one point, she was holding three part-time jobs. "That was hard," she said.

Because of that experience, Gillian strongly urged her three children to "go to school!" They did, and she's proud to say all of them now have a post-secondary education.

Why did she feel she needed to finish high school at her age?

"It was just like a bucket list, I had to do it. I figured I had to practice what I preached."

When she first went to school in the 70s, Gillian struggled to get passing grades. It was a different story when she went back 40 years later. "I wanted to be there , and I was pulling off 90s."

She said she was stunned the first time she received an A.

Advice for Others: Go back

Now, the woman who was called "stupid" by teachers in her childhood is an education coordinator for a private school.

Gillian's advice for teens today who are thinking about droppingout?

"Stay in school!"

And her guidancefor adults who are thinking of going back?

"Just go, go! As crazy as it feels and it seems, it's worth it in the long run."