Florence Sephton is 77 and lives (31) Deganwy, North Wales. She is reading (32) an arts degree. "I’m more (33) a creature to polish my mind (34) polish my furniture. The house takes second place while I put the studying (35) ."
"I was very happy at school and had wonderful teaching. I (36) the university entrance examination and was ready to go to (37) but with World War II I went into banking. I was (38) ￡1 a week. Manchester University kept my place open for three years but I was enjoying the money and the freedom so I turned it (39) ."
Mrs. Sephton is now in the second year of her Open University course and is finding it hard work. "I’m feeling tired more frequently. I can’t do more than an hour’s work at (40) time. The memory’s shocking. I’m supposed to be reviewing and I look (41) notes I took earlier this year and think, ’Have you read this before So I’m doing it very (42) —one credit a year, so it’ll take six years. "
"At the moment the greatest (43) is simply the increase in knowledge—and the discipline. I had an essay failed this week. The professor said I hadn’t (44) the question. I’ve been thinking about it all week. I find it difficult to organize ideas of an essay properly. I just let myself go and get excited. I feel more emotionally than I do mentally. I’m very ordinary really. "
While claiming to be (45) and lazy, Mrs. Sephton is still working hard daily (46) her assignments. Mrs. Sephton sees her studies (47) keeping her fit and independent. "Because of my life I’ve been self-sufficient. It’s not a very nice characteristic. It means I don’t care enough (48) people. I can’t say I find comfort in (49) I’m learning, so I’ll be interested to see (50) there’s a life ahead. \