Lesley McCabe, 78, has embarked on a new chapter in her life by starting a university degree in history and sociology at the University of Essex.
Ms McCabe has spent the last 12 years volunteering at the Nottage Institute, where she researched, designed, and curated museum exhibitions.
Now she’s taking that passion for knowledge into the lecture hall, tackling modules such as crime and punishment within the working classes.
Reflecting on why she didn’t go to university earlier, Ms McCabe explained that the opportunity simply wasn’t available to her when she was younger.
Ms McCabe has spent the last 12 years volunteering at the Nottage Institute
|GB NEWS
She told The People's Channel: "I do regret not going sooner, but the option wasn’t there. I was a child of the '50s.
"The expectation was that you went to work. I wanted to be a teacher, but it didn’t happen. Education is something you keep, you have to keep learning."
She added: "The facilities at the university are fabulous. The library is incredible. I just want to keep my brain active and soaking up knowledge."
Whilst Freshers' Week activities were available, Ms McCabe chose not to join any clubs, worrying students might wonder about her presence.
Her hands-on museum background in historical presentation gives her a solid foundation for university study.
She explained: "Who knows what the future is going to be? I'm in it for the long haul.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
"I'll be doing the course for three years. A friend of mine who's just finished a degree, the university have asked her to be sort of an ambassador for the university. For older students.
"I asked the head of department when I went down there for one day to look around.
"I said, 'what made you let me come here?' He said 'because you're interesting'."
Lesley McCabe starts her degree next week
|GB NEWS
Her grandchildren are supportive of her new adventure, having both graduated from university last year.
She said: "I’m partly terrified, but also so excited. When I looked at the course I’m doing, I just thought, yeah, this is it.
"The first module, crime and punishment within the working classes, is fascinating."