Four years ago, I did something most people only talk about doing; I went back to school. It is not easy, and I won't lead anyone to believe it is. With two very loud kids, a full time job, limited funding, and a short attention span; I have really had to stretch myself to accomplish what I have.
I am now 25 credits away from my graduation. I have a 3.4-grade-point average, and have the potential of graduating with honors. Four years ago I would have told you were crazy to presume I would be anywhere near where I am at in my education. Yet here I am.
Now...that being said, let me tell you one more thing. I very nearly did not graduate from high school. I was an underachiever, with an overactive imagination. I did not know until two hours before graduation if there would be a diploma waiting for me at that podium.
So if you are out there asking yourself, "Can I go back to school and be successful?" the answer is yes. I never gave myself enough credit in thinking there was more to my mind. I felt dumb. I felt awkward. It was not until I finally sat up and said "I can do this!" that I had the mind set to accomplish what I have.
You need not be a genius. I think we all put too much pressure on the final numbers. If I should graduate with honors, so be it. If not, that is okay too. I can live with the fact that I did my best and I came out of it with a degree. The main thing is, I overcame my fear and my lack of faith in myself and I did it.
Can you do it? Yes, you can. Is it too late in life to start? I'm 40 in a few months, so no I don't think so. I know students in their 60s doing this every day! Last question, is it difficult? Yes, but if you go into it knowing that it is you will try harder. You will also find you are learning more than those that are overconfident with themselves.
So if you keep putting it off...don't. You can, you should, and you won't regret it!