Retirement perfect time to complete college degree
“Back when the Vietnam War was going on, my parents wanted to take out a second mortgage on their house to send me to college. But I couldn’t let them do that. If I didn’t make it, I couldn’t live knowing that they were going to be thousands of dollars in debt. So I enlisted in the Navy.
In retirement, Joe Montemayor is studying to complete his degree in criminal justice.
“When I got out, I had an opportunity to work for the immigration service. Then I met my wife and we started a family.
“In the ‘90s I went to college at night, but then 9/11 happened so I had to put my education on hold because I had a duty to not only the people in this country but also to close friends who didn’t make it.
“When I retired in ’05, I was getting on my boys and grandchildren about the importance of college. When my middle son said, ‘Dad, you never did finish your degree,’ I decided that, OK, I’m going back to school. The way I’m pacing myself, by this time next year I’ll have my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. It will make me feel like I’ve accomplished a personal mission.
“I’m also trying to set an example for my children and grandchildren, and to show others that just because you’re old it doesn’t mean you stop learning. Some people think that after a certain age you should kick back and not do anything. I disagree with that. I think if you just sit on your butt all day and don’t get involved in something, you’re going to die. You’re going to die of boredom or die thinking people don’t care.”
— Joe Montemayor, 61
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