An 84-year-old University of Auckland student set to be capped at this year's autumn graduation is already considering her next degree.
Nancy Keat has encapsulated the concept of life-long learning as she looks to start studying for her master's next semester.
"I'm scared of stopping, I'm enjoying the journey too much," she said.
She'll be the oldest graduate from the University of Auckland, having completed a postgraduate diploma in art history.
Not long ago, Ms Keat also graduated with a bachelor of arts in art history, with a minor in European studies.
Now she has planned to undertake a one-year master's degree looking at the role of public art in Auckland and its relationship to the city's ethnic diversity.
She's one of the few "older students" to continue through to the master's level.
Ms Keats said keeping intellectually active had been important for her mental health.
While she no longer drives, the Freeman's Bay resident uses buses and trains to get around and see displays of public art.
"It's great. I've been able to go on the train to places like South Auckland, which I really like, and it not only has fantastic public art - especially murals - but good coffee as well."
Ms Keat originally trained as a teacher, as she was "expected to fill in time before finding a nice man and getting married".
She found a nice man, married and had three children.
But after they had grown up she decided to start taking courses in art history at the university's Centre for Continuing Education.
In 2003, at the age of 71, a tutor encouraged her to do a degree course. She took her first exam and was "hooked". "I discovered I liked doing the research, it was like a treasure hunt."
Ms Keat took eight years to complete her Bachelor's degree, doing one paper per semester and attending summer school. She has taken four years to complete the postgraduate diploma.
Ms Keat didn't think her age had made it harder. NZME