Imelda Starnini, ninety-year-old great-grandmother, has finally realized the suor I dream of sitting on the desk and teaching children after having obtained the old master's diploma by attending the socio-psycho-pedagogical high school at the San Francesco de Sales Institute in Città di Castello last June. A few days ago you held your first lesson on the first day of the new school year.
Imelda Starnini and her dream of being a teacher
Imelda Stamini, class of '33, originally from Selci and an inhabitant of for years Città di Castello in the province of Perugia, at the age of ninety last February, she obtained the diploma that allowed her to teach last June, presenting herself as an external student. A dream of hers that was interrupted many years ago. She was the second of four siblings (Laura, Cecilia and Pietro), in a family that experienced many difficulties during the war years. She interrupted her studies to help her family.
An uncle had promised her that he would help her study but he died prematurely. Shortly after Imelda got married, she became the mother of two children and today she is a great-grandmother. She says she was among the first women to obtain a driving license, and that she worked as a seamstress, a janitor and other jobs. However, she has always cultivated that dream which has finally come true. Imelda studied and passed her high school exams with flying colors final score of 76/100 with a thesis entitled: “The Art of Growing Older”. The recent graduate has become a role model for many students and the darling of the town. The municipal administration also presented her with an award plaque with the following motivation:
"for the extraordinary example of life and dedication to study and knowledge that he passed on to everyone, especially young people, by reaching the final goal". She was also praised for her commitment by the Minister of Education Valdirata.
Today Imelda still dreams of obtaining a degree.
In the chair
On the morning of the start of lessons, 13 September, accompanied by her daughter, in the presence of the management and school staff she held her first lesson in the Userna primary school, inaugurating the new school year. The structure has been completely redeveloped thanks to the funding received from the Ministry of University and Research. So much emotion, so much happiness in Imelda's eyes and words.
"Please – he said to the children – study, read and always follow the lessons and your teachers carefully. School after family is the most important thing in life, from here you will emerge, stronger women and men, capable of facing the future".
At the end of her inaugural lesson, amidst smiles and applause, the director of the second teaching circle, Simone Casucci, presented the new teacher with a certificate of public merit, "for demonstrating that there are no time barriers to learning throughout life".
Imelda's is a shining example for her strength and dedication, a great life lesson for her extraordinary willpower that many young people make their own in building their own path of education and life.
