At 83 years old, elderly woman graduates from EJA and dreams of going to college in the interior of SP At 83 years old, Dona Lourdes Batigalhia showed that it is never too late to make a dream come true. She graduated from Youth and Adult Education (EJA), in Araraquara (SP), on July 8, after deciding to return to the classroom after her husband's death. ? Follow g1 São Carlos and Araraquara on Instagram Now, with your elementary school diploma in hand, you're already making plans to take the next step: attending college. The retiree says that going back to school transformed her life. "It changed a lot, a lot. I learned more, I know how to read, I know how to write, I know how to pronounce. For me it was wonderful," he said. Dona Lourdes Batigalhia, 83 years old, graduated from Youth and Adult Education (EJA), in Araraquara (SP) EPTV Reproduction It's never too late According to Dona Lourdes, the decision to return to the classroom came after the death of her husband. She explained that when she was young, opportunities were different for women. "The girls learned to sew, cook, wash and take care of their husband. When he passed away and I was left alone, I said: now I'm going to go to school", she said. Excitedly, she is proud of the achievement. Alongside her, another 35 students also received the EJA completion diploma, equivalent to elementary school. Now, everyone can go to high school and, in the future, even to higher education. Asked about the advice she would give to those who think they are too old to study, Dona Lourdes was direct: "Don't be discouraged. Keep moving forward. We have to move forward." Dona Lordes is proud of her achievement and dreams of attending college EPTV Reproduction More news from the region: REMEMBER: Sugarcane cutter becomes educator and manager of EJA in the interior of SP: 'Education transforms' FROM DESCALVADO TO THE WORLD: Student from the interior of SP impresses Apple CEO with app about AI INSPIRATION: After facing domestic violence and racism, manager changes her life with a degree in philosophy at the age of 49 Inspiration Dona Lourdes' trajectory also inspired family. The daughter says that, after her father's death, her mother was very shaken, but found in her studies a way to start over. According to her, the whole family supported the decision and is experiencing graduation with great emotion. "She wanted to go back to studying and we supported her, it's endless happiness," said her daughter Eliane Zinato. After putting on her gown and receiving her diploma, Dona Lourdes celebrated the realization of an old dream, and guarantees that the story does not end here. "The opportunity to study came up, I raised my children, I got married and now I'm wonderfully well, content, happy, very happy. My dream was fulfilled, but I'm going to move on. I'm going to go to college, God willing," he said. After returning to the classroom at the age of 83, Dona Lorde graduates and inspires colleagues in Araraquara EPTV Reproduction Beyond teaching The school director, Roberta Cristina do Vale, says that each student arrives at school with a different story and that the role of EJA goes beyond teaching. According to her, the students represent examples of overcoming, because they chose to return to study of their own free will and find happiness at school. "Each one has their own story, experience, way of living and being. They excel, because they go to school because they want to, they chose to be at school, they get there and are happy here", he concludes. See the full report on Bom dia Cidade: Dona Lourdes is emotional after receiving her diploma at the age of 83 in Araraquara REVIEW VIDEOS FROM EPTV CENTRAL: See more news from the region on g1 São Carlos and Araraquara