88-Year-Old Graduates College Alongside His 23-Year-Old Granddaughter

Rene Neira is living proof that you’re never too old to pursue your passions, especially with a little support from your family.

The 88-year-old recently received a degree in recognition in economics from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and he accepted his diploma with his granddaughter (and fellow graduate) Melanie Salazar by his side.

College shaped up to be a family affair for these smart cookies, but they didn’t always plan to pursue a degree together. In fact, Salazar told TODAY that her grandfather postponed his educational goals for many years as he built a family and a banking career.

“He was very passionate about urban and economic development of the southside of San Antonio. In the 1960s, he did a lot of advocacy through civic engagement. He participated in rallies and marches and got involved with local government. From that time, one of his life’s goal was to earn a degree in economics,” Salazar, 23, told TODAY over email.

-TODAY