At 66 Years Old, After Decades Balancing Family, Work, and Studies, Antônio Nazaré Earned a Spot in Physics at UFMT After Taking the ENEM for the First Time and Resuming an Old Dream of Academic Formation
Recently, Brazil witnessed the approval of Antônio Nazaré, a 66-year-old man, in Physics at the Federal University of Mato Grosso, after taking the ENEM for the first time, reigniting an old dream of studying.
Educational Background and Professional Trajectory
Married for 38 years, father of two children and grandfather of one grandson, Antônio Nazaré has always maintained a close relationship with studies, even while balancing family and professional responsibilities throughout his life.
A native of Santo Antônio de Leverger, 35 km from Cuiabá, he began his career in 1986 by joining the Brazilian Air Force as an aviation inspector, a role that marked his initial technical training.
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In 1987, he completed his degree in sciences and even worked as a mathematics teacher before moving to agricultural activities, where he currently works as a rural producer.
First Experience with the ENEM and Routine at the Prep Course
With the goal of returning to the job market, Antônio enrolled last year in a preparatory course and took the National High School Exam for the first time.
His dedication caught attention from the beginning. He used to arrive before classes started and stayed until the end, maintaining a disciplined routine throughout the preparation period.
According to Carlos Bidu, a teacher at the semi-extensive prep course where Antônio studied, the student’s behavior was consistent and inspired younger colleagues, who were initially surprised by his presence in class.
The teacher reported that, at first, there were some gaps in high school content, but the daily effort quickly compensated for the difficulties encountered.
Approval in Physics and the Elderly’s Plans
The choice of the Physics course was the result of personal research. Antônio stated that he seeks training focused on research, with an interest in working on projects related to large companies.
He declared that he intends to study to compete in the job market and practice the profession, showing a willingness to pursue an academic career even after retirement.
With the announcement of the list of approved candidates from the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Antônio Nazaré’s name appeared among the selected, confirming the result of his continuous effort.
As a way of celebration, he participated in a tradition of the prep course, painting his hands and stamping a wall with the mark of the approved students, alongside his fellow learners.
With information from Só Notícia Boa.

Mas isso já é um fato a bastante tempo! Minha classe na faculdade, 97 % acima de 45,50 anos .. e assim em demais turmas.Gratidão aos IFs..jovens nao querem estudar, nós queremos melhorar nossa posição no mercado de trabalho ,recuperar o tempo perdido.Somos donis de empresas,donas de casa, funcionarios publucos,Ubers, etc. A mesma galera que la atras brigou por muitos direitos,que nunca parou de viver .A terceira idade vêm aí,para ajudar a fazer diferença.
O etarismo tem sido cada vez mais discutido na sociedade brasileira. Estigma voltado ao etarismo pode e deve ser extinguindo no Brasil, ações como a do Antônio vêm ajudar a quebrar esse comportamento da sociedade.
Nossa que fofinho uma verdadeira inspiração pra o Brasil inteiro