Ginger Zee’s Mom Is Graduating Medical School at 72: ‘I Am Totally Setting Records’

**Never Too Late: 72-Year-Old Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft Set to Graduate from Medical School**

Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, a former nurse practitioner and the mother of ABC News meteorologist Ginger Zee, is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone as she graduates from medical school at 72 years old. Set to complete her studies by the end of May, she will make history as the oldest student in her institution’s history and might even hold the title of the oldest medical graduate globally.

Zuidgeest-Craft’s journey to this achievement has been unique and, at times, challenging. The decision to pursue medicine had been a long-held aspiration, originally envisioned for when she was in her 40s. However, after having to navigate the complexities of family life, including raising two children and then two more with a second partner, she postponed her dreams until age and circumstance aligned in a way she had not anticipated.

The catalyst for her return to the idea of becoming a physician arose after her husband suffered a brain hemorrhage six years ago. It was a life-altering moment that reshaped her perspective on the fleeting nature of life. “It hit me like, ‘Oh, my God, this life is short,’” Zuidgeest-Craft stated, reflecting on the wake-up call that propelled her to act on her aspirations.

At 69, Zuidgeest-Craft left her nursing job and enrolled in a Caribbean medical school, embarking on a rigorous path that would see her undertake clinical rotations across various states, including Chicago, West Virginia, New York, and Texas. Her dedication and resilience have not gone unnoticed, earning her admiration and support from her family, particularly from her daughter Ginger Zee.

In a heartfelt video message, Zee expressed her pride in her mother’s accomplishments and the inspiration she has instilled throughout her life. “It’s most important that you know how inspired I have been my whole life…and of course, still going after your dreams at this age,” she remarked. Zee emphasised that her mother’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that barriers, particularly those related to age, should never discourage ambition.

Zuidgeest-Craft’s determination encapsulates a sentiment echoed by many elder students and professionals: that the pursuit of one’s passions should never be limited by age. “There are some people that aren’t meant to retire; it’s not part of them,” Zuidgeest-Craft observed, acknowledging that her journey wasn’t just about personal achievement but also fulfilled a deeper sense of purpose.

As she prepares to graduate, Zuidgeest-Craft has also initiated contact with Guinness World Records to explore the possibility of being recognised as the world’s oldest medical graduate. This ambition further highlights her remarkable spirit and determination to leave a lasting legacy.

She is set to begin a three-year residency at a Michigan hospital shortly after graduation, marking the next step in her career and solidifying her commitment to her newfound profession. “I am totally setting records,” she quipped, showcasing her sense of humour amidst this monumental period in her life.

Zuidgeest-Craft’s story serves as a poignant reminder that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams. Her journey not only sets a precedent in the realms of education and medical professions but also provides an inspiring narrative for others considering a similar path later in life. In a world where traditional timelines often dictate life decisions, she is an embodiment of the idea that passion knows no age.

As the month draws to a close and Zuidgeest-Craft prepares to take the stage at her graduation ceremony, her accomplishment stands as a beacon of hope for many who may feel that time has passed them by. This remarkable woman is proof that, with determination and grit, new horizons are always within reach, regardless of age.