It’s Never Too Late: My Journey Back to College at 49

Going back to school at 49 feels a bit like showing up to a party just when the lights are flickering on and the host is trying to shoo everyone out. It’s like, “Oh, I’m here! Let’s do this!” but everyone’s already packing up, holding their shoes in one hand, and eyeing the nearest exit. But here I am, at 49, diving into a three-year bachelor’s degree with all the enthusiasm of a fresh-faced 18-year-old. Well, maybe not quite that level of enthusiasm, but it’s close.

I won’t sugarcoat it—going back to school at this age is a wild ride. There’s the constant juggle between being a mom, a partner, and a student. Some days I feel like a superhero, and other days, I’m just trying to remember where I left my phone (which usually can be anywhere, don’t ask).

Why Now?

You might wonder why anyone would want to jump back into academia when they’re so close to being eligible for the senior discount at the movies. For me, it’s about unfinished business. I’ve spent my life dabbling in different things, trying on different hats—freelance actress, mom, part-time philosopher (mostly in the shower)—but I’ve never finished something like this. And there’s something deeply satisfying about the idea of crossing that finish line, even if it’s taken me a little longer to get there.

Plus, there’s a part of me that wants to show my kids that it’s never too late to chase a dream. Sure, they might roll their eyes when I say that (kids, am I right?), but I know they’re watching. And if I can inspire them to keep pushing, even when things get tough, then every late-night study session and caffeine-fueled panic attack will be worth it.

The Age Gap

Being in a classroom mostly surrounded by students who are young enough to be my kids has been…interesting. I’ve had to brush up on my Gen Z lingo (did you know “slay” is a good thing?), and I’ve learned that while I might not be as quick to grasp new tech as they are, I bring a different kind of wisdom to the table. Life experience counts for something, right?

I’ve found that being older means I’m not as afraid to ask questions or admit when I don’t know something. I’m here to learn, not to impress anyone. That’s a lesson I wish I’d known in my twenties.

The Juggle

Balancing school with the rest of my life is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. There are moments when everything’s up in the air, and I’m just praying nothing comes crashing down. And then there are those rare, glorious moments when I manage to catch everything, and I feel like I’ve got this whole adulting thing down.

My boyfriend is supportive, though he doesn’t fully get why I’m doing this. He’s from the school of thought that says, “You’re 49! You’ve done enough! Why put yourself through the stress?” But I’m not doing this for a career boost or a fancy diploma to hang on the wall. I’m doing it for me—to prove that I can, to finish something I started, to feed that part of my soul that’s always been hungry for knowledge.

The Challenges

Let’s be real—there are days when I seriously question my sanity. Like when I’m up at 2 AM writing a paper and I have to be up in four hours to get the kids off to school. Or when I’m trying to wrap my head around a new concept and my brain just won’t cooperate. And then there’s the whole ADHD thing, which adds an extra layer of chaos to the mix.

But I’ve learned to embrace the chaos. I’ve found ways to work with my brain instead of against it. I use color-coded planners, set a million reminders on my phone, and break tasks down into bite-sized pieces so they’re not so overwhelming. It’s not perfect, but it works. Most of the time.

The Joys

Despite the challenges, there’s something incredibly satisfying about being back in school. I love the thrill of learning something new, of stretching my brain in ways it hasn’t been stretched in years. And there’s a camaraderie that comes with being a student, even if I’m old enough to be the mother of most of my classmates.

I’ve also rediscovered the joy of finishing things. Whether it’s turning in an assignment or simply making it through a week without dropping the ball on something important, there’s a sense of accomplishment that’s deeply fulfilling. It’s a reminder that I’m capable, that I can do hard things—even at 49.

The Takeaway

So, what’s it like going back to school at 49? It’s challenging, chaotic, and sometimes downright exhausting. But it’s also exhilarating, empowering, and—dare I say it—fun. It’s a journey that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about getting a degree. And while I might be a little late to the party, I’m here now, and I’m going to make the most of it.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in these 49 years, it’s that life is too short to leave things unfinished. And it’s never too late to start something new.

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay