In 2007, Barbara Bosarge began an educational journey that, for most people, might appear overwhelming and impossible. Nine years later at 80-years young, she successfully ends her journey as she and more than 90 of her fellow students walk across the stage at the MSU Riley Center during Mississippi State University-Meridian’s fall commencement Friday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m.

Her journey began, Bosarge recalls, while driving to Marvin’s Building and Home Centers on Hwy. 19 North. Always determined to go back to school one day, she noticed all the cars at Meridian Community College on that same highway. Before she could talk herself out of it, she pulled into the parking lot, and when she left, was registered for her first college classes.

Although she admits people might label her as “crazy” to embark on such a quest at the age of 71, she often was encouraged by the young people she met along the way.

“There is a lot of negative talk about young people today,” Bosarge said, yet at both MCC and MSU-Meridian, there were many fellow students she felt were like her “adopted” grandchildren.

“Once they realized I wasn’t their instructor,” she said with a laugh, “they cheered me on and were very helpful.”

Her family, including her husband of 63 years, Bo, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all were very supportive.

“I’m not sure they knew what to think at first, but I think they are very proud of what I’ve accomplished,” Bosarge said.

She chose to take just a few classes a semester so she wouldn’t get overwhelmed and be tempted to give up. She also took advantage of the senior citizen’s waiver available at Mississippi State which enables senior citizens 60 and over to take courses without paying tuition and required fees.

Learning to read from her grandmother, who was a school teacher, also instilled a love of learning deep inside of her that propelled her to keep going.

“I am also quite stubborn, so quitting was not an option. I waited a long time to begin this journey and I wanted to see it through.”

Her determination has not gone unnoticed in the classroom nor around the university, with her “can-do” attitude inspiring many.

“Each semester, every professor secretly hopes for that one student whose drive and hunger for learning reminds them why they chose to teach,” said Toby Bates, MSU-Meridian associate professor of history. “Mrs. Bosarge, who was in four of my classes, is the epitome of that professional hope. She is not only a nontraditional student, but by her generosity and encouraging example for other students, as well as her unfailing cheerfulness, she is indeed a nontraditional person. I’ve truly enjoyed teaching her,” Bates added.

An honors student at MSU-Meridian, she has kicked around the idea of returning to the classroom to work on a master’s degree, but she said, “Don’t forget, it took me nine years to earn my four-year degree. Maybe I’ll just bask in this accomplishment for a little while.”