When prospective educators are able to start teaching depends on when they make the decision to become a teacher, when they finish college, and when they officially get hired. However, a majority of individuals graduated from a teaching program usually kick off their career in their early to late twenties.
Knowing the previous information, it will boggle your mind when you learn that Lakshmi Kalyanasundaram, who’s currently 91-years-old and living in Bangalore, India, is not only the world’s oldest teacher, but she began her teaching career at the ripe age of 67!
Deciding to become a teacher around the average retirement age is considered “late” to some people, but in fact, her timing was perfect. Kalyanasundaram got married at 14-years-old and dedicated a big chunk of her life to being the best housewife and mother she could be. Then, when her husband died when she was 67, she deemed it a good time to make some life changes for herself.
“I just wanted to get out and meet people,” she said.
So, to keep herself social and give herself something to look forward to each day, Kalyanasundaram decided to become a special needs education teacher as her first-ever job.
Although she was happy as a wife and mother to three daughters, as a young lady, Kalyanasundaram had many big aspirations, one of which was to become a doctor. However, back then, women in India had very limited rights, which hindered her ability to carry out her goals. But during her golden years is when she received the epiphany that she now has those rights and can carry out of her one dreams: to become an educator.
“I’m very, very happy the way women who want to come up. They have their independence.”
Kalyanasundaram has now been teaching for 24 years. Many wonder when, if ever, she will decide to retire.
“Let me see what God thinks, you know… Whatever God wills, that’s it, nothing else.”
The two-decade-long teacher thoroughly enjoys her “late-start” career. When she’s not teaching students, she loves to spend time with her family which includes her trio of daughters, five granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters.
Perhaps some of Kalyanasundaram’s secrets to a long, happy life is to keep socially active and chase your dreams no matter how old you are. I’d say that’s great advice.
Meet Teacher Kalyanasundaram below. She’s a great inspiration for anyone looking to change their current career or start a new career. It’s never too late!
