Dropping out of high school in the 1940s was something Theresa Walker regretted most of her life.

As a teenager, the Kamloops resident was already struggling to fit in when her father came home from World War II and announced he wanted a divorce, throwing her home life into turmoil.

“There I was in the middle,” Walker said. “Nobody to talk to, and that was the reason I left school; no one to talk to.”

Her father, whom she describes as a traditional man, supported her decision, believing a woman’s focus should be on finding a husband and raising children.

Her mother disagreed, and that’s who was in Walker’s thoughts leading into a graduation ceremony Monday, where she finally received her diploma at the age of 85.

“This is for you, mom,” Walker said.

Walking across the stage to cheers and applause, the senior became the oldest person ever to complete the Kamloops Thompson School District’s Street School program for adult learners.

Enrolling was a daunting experience for her after more than 70 years away from class, but Principal Kent Brewer said Walker set a shining example with her determination.

“It’s just incredibly inspiring. We’re always pushing people to step outside their comfort zone, and going back to school at 85 years old epitomizes taking a risk and getting out of that comfort zone to pursue something,” Brewer said.

Walker was given the option of receiving some course credits for her life experience, but she balked at the offer.

“She would have none of that. She wanted to do everything herself. She chose the five toughest courses and she’s been really successful,” he said.

Quitting school was something that hung over her head for a long time, Walker said. She believes in some ways, it held her back in life, and made her feel inferior to other people.

“Months later I was very, very sorry. Because once you quit at that time you couldn’t go back. That was it,” she said. “But life went on, and I done the best I could.”

Walker found her own ways to better herself, like sticking her nose in a book. She also got married and had children, creating a family that was bursting with pride this week.

“It’s a pretty amazing accomplishment,” her granddaughter Michelle Nelson said. “You can’t underestimate a woman.”

For all the praise she’s received, Walker had just as much to heap on the Street School staff and her fellow students, describing them all as welcoming and wonderful. She said they helped her through what was, at first, a terrifying experience.

Now that she’s done, she hopes her story will encourage others who have considered completing their education to take the plunge. They might even surprise themselves the way she did.

“I loved it from the very beginning. Loved being back in school, loved doing the work, just everything about it. Wonderful adventure,” she said.

With files from CTV Vancouver’s Kent Molgat