It’s never too late to learn a new skill. Just ask Rafael Aguirre.
At age 83, Aguirre earned a two-year degree in HVAC technology, along with several related certifications, from Amarillo College, a community college in Amarillo, Texas. A photograph of Aguirre processing with much younger graduates during Amarillo’s spring commencement was seen by more than seven million people on various social media platforms, according to the college.
It wasn’t Aguirre’s first degree from Amarillo College, or AC, as it’s known there. He completed an associate’s degree in applied science and mechanical engineering technology in 1995.
Aguirre, a car salesman and former satellite dish installer, isn’t looking for a career in HVAC.
“I’m just learning to learn something. To help people,” he said by phone recently. “I don’t think I’m going to start another career, but I’m learning. … I’m not going to use it full time.”
Aguirre was an excellent student, said Joseph Kautchick, an HVAC instructor at AC who taught Aguirre in a commercial refrigeration class and in the co-op class that caps the college’s HVAC program.
“He’s one of those model students that all teachers want, that person who comes in and is hungry for the knowledge,” Kautchick said.
Aguirre asked a lot of questions, and Kautchick suspected it wasn’t always for his own benefit, but for the benefit of classmates who may have been shy about speaking up.
“He stayed motivated and positive the whole time,” Kautchick said, and was well-respected by fellow students.
“It’s evident that his story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and positively impact others,” said Jamelle J. Conner, the college president.
“I had pretty good trainers,” Aguirre said. “They were so kind with me. They helped me out and everything.”
Aguirre is a regular volunteer at Renovacion Ministerio International (Renovations Ministry International) in Amarillo, where he greets churchgoers, provides security, and helps people cross the street. He’s also checked out the church’s a/c and heating systems.
Years ago, Aguirre shot photos for Hispanic newspapers in the region.
He said he hopes the story of his academic achievements will inspire others to also pursue more knowledge, no matter their stage of life.
“I just want to thank my God for helping me, and I feel very blessed,” he said.
Of course, Aguirre is not done learning yet. Next up, he said, he wants to learn about automobile electrical systems.
“I’m going to start learning something (about) cars — electric problems,” Aguirre said. “I’m looking for something. Let me see who offers that.”
For Aguirre, knowledge is its own kind of wealth.
“You learn something every day, you’ll be rich,” he said. “You’ll be rich.”