I recently completed my college education for the second time, and I can almost feel 50 knocking at my door. Three decades ago, I earned an associate’s degree with no clear direction. Sure, I identified as a writer, but everyone around me urged me to pursue business instead. Just two years later, I proudly accepted my bachelor’s degree in English from a local university and dove headfirst into the world of book publishing and public relations in Manhattan.
Fast forward twenty-four years: I found myself in a typical suburban life, juggling a career in journalism alongside family responsibilities. I often daydreamed about pursuing an MFA to better understand the novel I had written. I confided in a friend, “Grad students will all be so young. Ugh, I’ll be almost 50 when I graduate.” Her response was transformative: “You’re going to be 50 anyway. Just go for it.”
What Does Age Really Mean?
As we watch our bodies age, we often feel like we should stop enjoying life or trying new things. Aging can be an emotional minefield where some cling to their youth while others seek to rediscover their inner child. Perhaps the key to aging gracefully is simply a willingness to continue exploring new avenues. Choose any day on the calendar; if health permits, you can be there doing what you love. You’re going to be … fill in the blank.
Initially, I feared I’d be too old to enter grad school. As I was busy with parenting duties, tech-savvy Millennials seemed to have surged ahead. But I took the plunge and enrolled at Stony Brook’s Southampton and Manhattan campuses. To my surprise, I wasn’t the youngest in the room, nor was I the oldest (there was an 80-year-old in my class). I found myself in a vibrant, diverse environment. Let’s be honest: few people in their forties are attending grad school, as they are often in the thick of life’s responsibilities: advancing careers, managing mortgages, and guiding children through their formative years.
Life’s Whirlwind
With three kids between middle and high school, two hamsters, and a dog demanding my attention, life was a whirlwind. I balanced a part-time PR job while attending classes and revising my novel, which ultimately became my MFA thesis. My husband frequently traveled for work, leaving me to manage everything on my own. One evening, in the midst of a screenwriting class, I received a message from my kids saying they were at the local mall looking for dinner after I forgot to prepare a meal. On another occasion, my son locked himself out of the house and ended up sharing hot chocolate with our neighbor. I learned the art of multitasking and not to stress over trivial matters, especially age. I forged lasting friendships with classmates of all ages, engaged in lively discussions about literature, and rekindled my creative spark.
As my classmate, Lisa Carter, and I sat at Stony Brook’s stadium, 28 years after my initial graduation, we witnessed Billy Joel receiving an honorary degree in music. Under the warm sun and clear skies, he declared, “If you’re not pursuing what you love, you’re wasting your time.”
Embrace It!
You’re going to be 50 anyway. Embrace it! Life is too short to hold back. If you’re interested in exploring options for family planning, you can check out this home insemination kit for more information. For a deeper understanding of the preconception journey, visit this authority on the topic. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent resources to guide you through pregnancy and home insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, age should never deter you from pursuing your dreams and passions. Whether you’re considering a return to school, a change in career, or simply embracing new experiences, it’s never too late to start anew.