At the age of 90, Maryette McFarland from Londonderry has achieved what she began more than seventy years ago — graduating with a degree in English Literature from the Open University. Her remarkable accomplishment, celebrated at a ceremony in Belfast on Tuesday, made her the oldest of over 300 graduates to receive their awards that day.
“I can hardly believe it, and it’s taken me quite a long time,” she said with a smile, reflecting on her decades-long journey. McFarland’s story is one of perseverance, patience, and lifelong love of learning — supported by her family, tutors, and friends.
Her educational journey first began in Dublin in the 1960s, when she enrolled at Trinity College to study English. However, she never completed the course, choosing instead to get married and focus on raising her family. Decades later, following a car accident that forced her to rest and recover, she decided it was time to return to her long-held dream.
“I had a bit of time to spare and I thought I’d like to do something,” she told BBC News NI. Studying online presented new challenges, but she embraced them with determination. “I’m very bad online but I had a lot of help from the family,” she said, laughing. Her daughter-in-law taught her how to type, while her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren rallied around to help her navigate modern technology.
“They think it’s a bit odd for granny to have a degree,” she joked. Yet her dedication never wavered — and her tutor, whom she described as “lovely” and “very supportive,” helped her every step of the way.