AslansLady

I turned 60 in November 2009 and acquired my Master’s Degree in Human Services-Counseling Studies from Capella University in March 2010. In 7 years, I went from being a high school graduate to having an AAS, a BA, and now an MS. I am presently working on a doctoral plan, but due to ill health, may not finish. However, I will have enough hours above the Master’s to go ahead and teach at the local community college…which was my primary goal.

My advice: Don’t ever tell yourself you are “too old” or too anything to achieve the goals on which you have your mind and heart set. Keep your eyes on the goal and keep on keeping on despite what obstacles you encounter along the way. It worked for me; I know it can work for you!

Started the journey towards higher education 6 years ago. Got my AAS in 2005, my BA in 2007, and have 2 more classes to go to get my Master’s in Counseling Studies at Capella University. I will be 60 years old. So far, I have a 4.0 grade point average. I’m really tired of school and hoping I can keep the grade point up, but I’m really exhausted. I am hoping once I have my MS degree in March that I can teach at our local community college. I’m debating whether to go on and get my doctorate; if somebody else would pay for it, I might do it, but at this point I’ll have such a huge student loan that I might not get it paid off before I die!

Teresa

I finished my bachelor’s program back in June, but won’t get the actual diploma until December. (The college only gives them out twice a year.) I have already started my Master’s program at Capella University where I’m seeking a Human Services-Mental Health Counseling degree. I finish up my first class this week (with an A) and have just started the second quarter taking Mental Health Counseling and Theories of Personality. It looks to be a daunting yet exciting endeavor. I am going to try to go full time and earn my Master’s in 3 years.

I am 58 y/o and if I can do this at my age, I would encourage anyone of any age to do it. The key is to keep the goal in sight when you are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Take it one day at a time and don’t get bogged down looking at the big picture. Stay organized and do your assignments ahead of time so you’re not rushed at the last minute or if an emergency occurs. If you don’t understand a class, get help; that’s what tutors are there for and some colleges offer them gratis.

Good luck to those of you still working on your Bachelor’s. It is a worthy endeavor!

Teresa