A college student seeking a bachelor's degree typically attends class for four years.

But for more than 45 years, a Jay woman has been determined to complete her education.

At 89 years young, she'll be graduating Saturday from the University of Maine at Farmington.

"I started studying back in the 70's, not intending really to get a degree. I just wanted enrichment, educational enrichment, so I just took a course when I had the time do it. I was extremely busy as I still am."

When she began her college career, Dorothy White, known as 'Dot' to friends and family, was a mother to three children.

Now she's a great-grandmother, and will finally be graduating from UMF with a bachelor of arts degree in English and a minor in music.

"It's never too late," said White.

Dot is still full of energy at 89 and remains very active in her community.

She's been playing the organ at the Jay Baptist Church for 65 years now and continues to challenge herself after retiring from her receptionist job at Jay Elementary School, where she worked for more than 30 years.

"Loved it. I loved that job and I hated to retire, but I said I can't work til I'm 100 years old, and somebody else would probably like this job."

She came to UMF with 28 credits after taking classes when she had free time at the University of Maine at Augusta. She says despite being the oldest student in class, her peers have helped her feel right at home.

"They're very friendly, they're very polite, and the professors are wonderful. They really are."

Her children have been very supportive over the years and are ecstatic to see their mother graduate this weekend.

"In fact, I questioned whether I would march or not Saturday, and they said, 'you're going to march.'"

Saturday won't be the end of Dot's journey to expand her knowledge and enrich her life.

"Right now, I'm making plans to go back and take another course in about a year probably. I'm especially interested right now in French."

Dot says she'll continue to keep as busy as ever and encourages others to never stop learning something new.

"There are just so many things that people can accomplish if they have the desire," said White.