I started university for the first time at 55 with Gen Z classmates

At the age of 55, I found myself embarking on a new adventure that I had dreamed about for years. As I stepped off the bus and made my way to my first day of university, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Carrying a backpack filled with books, paper, and pens, I felt like a kid on the first day of school.

Walking into my small tutorial classroom, I noticed the curious stares of my younger classmates. I could sense their surprise at seeing someone older in their midst. Taking a seat among them, I felt a wave of awkwardness wash over me as they quickly returned their attention to their phones.

Unlike many older individuals who choose to go back to school for graduate studies, I was starting my undergraduate journey for the first time. Despite my love for learning and academic achievements in my youth, personal challenges and undiagnosed depression derailed my educational aspirations during high school.

For over three decades, I focused on raising a family, working various jobs, and providing homeschool education for my children. It wasn’t until a family tragedy in 2021 that I realized the fleeting nature of life and the importance of pursuing my own dreams.

In 2023, with the encouragement of a friend, I took the leap and applied to the University of King’s College. To my surprise, I was accepted and received financial aid to support my studies. Despite my initial doubts and fears, I decided to embrace this opportunity to prove to myself that I was academically capable.

As I navigated the challenges of university life, from overwhelming coursework to unfamiliar study habits, I found support and friendship among my younger classmates. Their willingness to help and engage with me made me feel welcomed and valued in the academic community.

Through my first year of university, I discovered a newfound sense of confidence in my abilities and a passion for learning that had been reignited. Despite the practical challenges of balancing my studies with other responsibilities, I found a sense of fulfillment in pursuing subjects that interested me and deepening my critical thinking skills.

Looking ahead, I hope to combine my love for English and the history of science into a degree that reflects my unique interests and goals. My university journey has taught me that age is not a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams and that with determination and support, anything is possible.

As I continue on this academic journey, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside my younger peers. Their acceptance and encouragement have been a source of inspiration and motivation as I navigate this new chapter in my life.