Despite her age, Saudi "Huda Al-Obeida" achieved her dream of graduating from the University of Hail with honors at the age of 63, after being away from education for 40 years. Regarding the details of her academic journey, Al-Obeida told "Al-Arabiya.net": "My story of graduating from university was a challenging journey after a 40-year break from studying, especially in the preparatory year which was in English. However, with hard work and perseverance, I graduated from the preparatory year with an excellent grade, and I studied psychology due to my desire and love for the field. The feelings of graduation are all joy and victory; it is an indescribable feeling, as if I held the stars in my hands."
Huda recounts the main obstacles she faced, saying: "As a mother with children in university and many responsibilities, and with an elderly mother whom I visit occasionally, in addition to family meals and social obligations, all these were obstacles I overcame with perseverance, hard work, and overcoming difficulties."
She added: "I chose psychology as my major because I want to serve myself, my family, and the community in achieving mental resilience, due to what I have observed concerning mental fragility among people. I dream of opening a recreational psychological center for the care of the elderly because I love them deeply."
Huda emphasized her husband's support for her academic continuation: "I am grateful to him, my family, my children, my brothers, and my friends; everyone was encouraging. Education is an essential right for human life. The recognition from His Highness the Prince of Hail and his deputy, along with the president of the University of Hail, were the most significant moments of my life. This is something I dreamed of and thought was out of reach, but God blessed me with success. The moments of graduation were joyful for my family, which was extremely happy, as well as for my children, who see my success as the success of the family. I want to be a role model for them in attaining knowledge."
