Cao Nhat Linh has become famous as an economic-law student at the Dong Do University in Hanoi for his passion for studying at the age of 85.

Mr. Cao Nhat Linh

Linh was born on June 30, 1934, in Co Nhue Commune, Tu Liem District, and couldn't afford to go to university. In 1956, he became a construction worker in Son La Province before returning home to work as a bricklayer and carpenter.

Even after he got married, had his first child and then grandchildren, the dream to go to university was still burning. "I had wanted to go to the university all my life and realised it when I was over 80 years old," he said.

In 2014, he enrolled on a training course at the Academy of Journalism and Communications. He applied for Hanoi Law University in the next year but failed the entrance exam. With an upbeat spirit, he was able to enrol at Dong Do University in 2017.

Other students agreed that Linh is the most hardworking student and always get good scores.

"I get to know and understand many new things from the lectures so I try not to skip any classes," Linh said. "Being able to communicate with young people also makes me feel younger. They are very smart and I have lots to learn."

Linh is also good at poetry and has printed for himself 35 poetry and music books which include 3,000 poems.

All three of his children have already had a family of their own. Cao Van Du, Linh's grandchildren, said, "The family always supports him. Learning keeps him being healthy and a sharp mind. He cycled three kilometres to university every day. He is our family's role model."

The university management board have shown their support by cutting his tuition by 50%.

Dtinews