Sandra Holloway: Proving You’re Never Too Old to Learn

At 69 years young, Sandra Holloway is proving that age is no barrier to pursuing your passions. A student in the Carpentry program, Holloway is diving into her classes with enthusiasm. She’s dedicating three hours a day, five days a week to mastering carpentry—a dream she’s cherished since high school.

“When I was in high school, I wanted to take shop, but girls weren’t allowed to be in the class,” Holloway said. “I took home economics instead. I learned to sew, but I always had a love of tools. I enjoyed spending time with my grandpa while he was building something, and now after all these years, I’m getting to take the class.”

Holloway’s goal is to learn a new skill that she can use to build things with her grandkids. She would also love to flip houses but wants to learn the hands-on skills, and not just be involved in the paperwork and design.

Her journey doesn’t stop at carpentry. Holloway has already explored adult part-time classes in Interior Design and Upholstery at Tulsa Tech and has her sights set on a Tiling course next.

“The teachers here are fantastic,” she says. “For me, learning is a privilege. I didn’t see it that way before, but now I embrace every opportunity to learn.”

“I want to be teachable and enjoy learning. If you have any interest, purse it. You don’t have to be perfect at it. I want to be the best I can be at whatever I’m doing, but if it isn’t perfect, that is okay. It is fun to be challenged and to see what you can accomplish, and where your new knowledge will take you.”

Holloway is living proof that it’s never too late to learn something new and that the pursuit of knowledge can be a lifelong adventure.