GRADUATE, 81, IS INSPIRATION TO ALL STUDENTS

Leon Smith didn't pay much attention in his resume writing class. After all, he's going to vacation in Florida after his May graduation from college instead of looking for a job.

A spoiled rich kid? A slacker with no future plans?

Hardly.

Smith is an 81-year-old grandfather who simply wants a degree like his son and two granddaughters have. And Southern Illinois University is prepared to give him one in aviation management.

Smith is an inspiration. A retired aviation worker, he was employed in various places around the country and took courses when he could. As a college student, he faced challenges -- trying to remember course work from decades ago and meeting friends his own age in classes.

But Smith showed perseverance, and now he will get the reward that comes with it.

This makes life for those 18-year-old freshmen look a little easier, doesn't it?