Meet an “Amazing” With Courage and Persistence to Match

Artie Giles started her Master’s program at 81 and received her long-dreamed-of degree from Grace International Seminary at 85.

Artie never had the time or the finances to achieve her dream of higher education. After a career as a hair stylist, she was been a bus driver and worked with special ed kids until her retirement--only to find herself needing to take care of her ailing parents and husband until their deaths.

In 2008, she suffered an unusual nerve condition which left her paralyzed and bedridden for a year, and then in a wheelchair for another. She was ready to give up on life, but her brother, who drove 52 miles each way to visit her every day, refused to accept that. Between his support, and turning her attention to what she might want to do with her remaining years, she decided to go for the degree she’d always wanted.

Her life since then has been most rewarding! Her advice to others is not to let failure stop you, but to pick yourself up and give it another go. Eventually, you’ll get there!

For more Amazings, go to Facebook.com/MeetTheAmazings.