2 of 7

Write now Article Tools

"Ah, those were the days!" I heard myself saying to my high school senior. That was a mere five years ago. Little did I know then that "those days" were going to be revisited. It has been two years now that I have been back in college. At age 50, I made the decision to further my education. At age 52, I finally mustered up my courage and actually enrolled in a vocational technical college! Simply put, I pondered for two long years as to whether or not I could actually recall good study habits, if I had enough room left in my brain to even put anymore knowledge, and if I had the right clothes so that I wouldn't stand out so much from the brash twenty-somethings I knew were sure to be surrounding me.

After my first full week in college, I realized that being middle aged was actually a great benefit. My fellow students looked up to me and frequently asked me questions which only life experience could answer - and I had lots of life experience. Sitting in class, it was refreshing to be with young men and women, and some fellow middle agers, all of whom REALLY wanted to learn. Amazingly, I found out that I wasn't the only one who had broached higher education with fear and trepidation. So, too, had many of the younger set. Together we overcame our fears. We got to know each other. Sometimes each person worked alone. However, more often than not, we were paired up (usually randomly at the professor's whim) to work on projects together. What a wonderful experience to blend youth with longevity, fresh ideas with time tested philosophies, paper and scissors with rock.

For those out there who ponder whether or not continued education is an option, please do NOT let your youth or advanced age keep you from your desire. Education is for everyone, whether it is a two-hour seminar or an advanced degree. It truly is never too late to learn. Middle age is just another beginning, not the beginning of the end. There IS brain space for more learning. And you might just be pleasantly surprised at how much you can learn from those twenty-somethings!

Learn more about this author, Sunny Roach.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Returning to school when middle-aged?
We want to hear your view. Write now!