I recently completed my college journey once again, and here I am, inching toward 50 with a grin.
Three decades ago, I earned an associate’s degree, clueless about my path. Sure, I knew I had a knack for writing, but everyone around me seemed to disagree. “Study business; it’s a safer bet!” they urged. Fast forward two years, and I proudly received my bachelor’s in English from Hofstra University, diving headfirst into the worlds of book publishing and public relations in Manhattan. I never looked back.
Fast forward 24 years, and my life had morphed into a typical suburban scene, complete with a minivan and a side gig in journalism. I often fantasized about returning to school for an MFA to figure out what to do with the novel I had penned. I confided in my friend, “Everyone in grad school will be so young. Yikes, I’ll be nearly 50 when I finish!” She responded with the words that became my guiding principle, “You’re going to be 50 anyway. Just do it.”
What Does Age Even Mean?
We watch our bodies change, slowly succumbing to the pull of gravity. When we hit certain milestones, are we expected to behave a certain way? Are we barred from having fun? Aging can feel like a tricky emotional landscape, where some cling to their “Forever 21” youth while others scramble to reconnect with their inner child. Perhaps the secret to aging gracefully lies in a simple willingness to explore new experiences. Picture any date on the calendar. If health permits, that day will inevitably arrive. So why not fill in the blank?
Initially, I worried about feeling out of place. The Millennials and the digital age seemed to fly by while I was busy changing diapers and reading “Goodnight Moon” for the umpteenth time. Yet, I took the plunge and enrolled in classes at Stony Brook’s Southampton and Manhattan campuses.
To my surprise, I wasn’t the youngest, but I certainly wasn’t the oldest either (there was an 80-year-old classmate!). I found myself comfortably in the middle of the age spectrum. Let’s be honest: not many people in their forties are in grad school. Most of us are knee-deep in life’s responsibilities—balancing careers, paying bills, and managing family dynamics. We’re often juggling a million things at once and racing against the clock.
With three kids spanning middle to high school, a part-time PR job, and two hamsters plus a dog to wrangle, life was anything but calm. My husband was frequently traveling for work, leaving me to manage it all. I remember sitting in a screenwriting class when I received a message from my kids, who were out exploring a local strip mall for dinner. I had completely forgotten to leave them a meal. Another time, my son locked himself out of the house and ended up having hot chocolate with our neighbor. I learned to juggle the chaos and not let the concept of age stress me out. I formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime, engaged in vibrant conversations about books and storytelling techniques, and reignited my creative spark.
As my classmate Emma and I sat together at Stony Brook’s LaValle Stadium, nearly three decades after my first graduation, we watched as Billy Joel received an honorary degree. The sun warmed our faces, and with blue skies above, he remarked, “If you’re not doing what you love, then you’re wasting time.”
Embrace It!
You’re going to be 50 anyway. So go ahead, embrace it!
For those looking into pregnancy options, this excellent resource on artificial insemination can be quite helpful. If you’re considering a fertility boost, check out this insightful post on fertility boosters for men. And for those exploring self-insemination methods, the at-home insemination kit is a comprehensive guide to help you on your journey.
Summary
This article reflects on the journey of returning to school as one approaches 50, emphasizing the importance of embracing new experiences and passions, regardless of age. It shares personal anecdotes about juggling family, work, and education, ultimately encouraging readers to pursue what they love without being hindered by age-related concerns.
Keyphrase: Embracing Aging
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]