Tara Murray
Deer Park’s Joan Oliver could have never imagined completing a law degree at the age of 75.
Having been the oldest person to ever complete VCE, Ms Oliver last month graduated from Victoria University with a bachelor of laws.
Ms Oliver was taken out of school at the age of 13, but had always wanted to complete VCE. A university degree on top of that is a bonus.
“I didn’t think it would happen,” she said.
“I wanted to do VCE and then I was awarded a scholarship, so I thought let’s see where this goes.
“I was always interested in the law. I had wanted to be a police officer, but there was a height requirement and I never met it.”
Ms Oliver said her favourite subjects were the criminal units, along with wills and estates, but tax and property law were quite bland.
She said while she might be an inspiration for many people to look at studying at this age, she doesn’t see what all the fuss is about.
And what’s next for Ms Oliver?
“Certainly not working as a lawyer,” she said.
“I would like to volunteer in a community organisation.
“One of my lecturers pointed out that you can’t practice until you have done your practical lawyer training. I’m tossing up whether to do it. If my lecturer has her way, I’ll be doing it.”
