Old Dog New Trick

I’m the oldest student in a masters program at a nearby university. In fact, I am older than the professors. I didn’t own a laptop when I applied nor did I have a clue what I was committing to. They say ignorance is bliss but I say ignorance was a necessity. It was 32 years since I completed my undergraduate degree in a completely different field. My education was also prior to the digital age. What was I thinking?

I applied at the university with my ancient transcript, had an extensive interview where I shared my dreams, and filled out all the required forms. I didn’t think to ask what would be required or the cost. I just knew I wanted a spot in their program.

What got me to this point was nothing short of God’s providence and intervention. I was working at our family agency as an office manager when two of our sons came on board. This put me in conflicting roles of boss, wife, and mother. Needless to say, it did not go well. I began wondering what I would do if I could choose a career for myself? I also questioned what God would want me doing?

By this point, all our children were out of the house and educated, I had fulfilled my goals of modernizing the insurance agency and was at the fortunate spot to question, “What now?

One sunny afternoon, while mulling over potential professions, I went to a local flower shop. Little did I know I would leave with far more than plants. I happened to overhear someone say we needed more counselors locally. That visit provided the seed that ended up taking root.

During this same time, we were teaching Sunday School with another couple. I randomly mentioned one Sunday I was interested in going back to school for a counseling degree. My co-teacher said, “You know I am Dean of that college, right?” I was flabbergasted. No, I didn’t. All that time being with them I never knew where he worked or what he did.

Coincidentally, one of our class attendees had shared she was miserable where she worked and wanted to find a new job locally. Incredibly, she had a degree in Business Administration. We decided to offer her my position and she accepted.

There is no way in the world I could have orchestrated all of the above details. It was as if God opened a door and rolled out the red carpet. Everything happened within 3 months and I was headed back to college for a Masters Degree after a 32 year hiatus from education. I had no clue how to navigate their school’s digital platform nor how much schooling would be required. Looking back, it is comical how ignorant I was regarding paperless education, program requirements, cost, etc. I even recall asking my professor how to find the class syllabus online. I was indeed an old dog attempting new tricks.

I admit it was daunting learning so many new things at once. I had to learn a new way of writing (lifelong writing in MLA had to change to APA) and I also had to figure out how to study again. But I love every bit of it. Yes, I get overwhelmed at times, but I tell myself if a 21 year old can do it, I can too (after all, I have more than double their life experience 🤓).

I am going to graduate next year with a masters degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. Sure, I might be older but I’m definitely not interested in retiring. I am just now getting started.