Making the decision to go to university at 19 years old was an easy one. Basically, all of my friends were doing it. And what else was I going to do anyway, work?! It sounded like a great adventure with lots of friends, partying, boys...oh yeah, and some learning.
Making the decision to finish my studies after three years (and achieving my good ol' BSc.) was also easy. I was SO done with lectures, assignments, projects, readings, libraries, all night cram sessions, and being broke. Even though I still didn't know what I wanted to do with my life I was ready to enter the workforce.
That seems like a lifetime ago! As I get ready to start my Masters degree at the ripe old age of 38 there is so much I want to tell my younger self.
Part of me wants to advise her to stay in school. The pressures of working full time and studying are immense considering all the other activities and obligations one has as an adult. I mean, I don't have children or pets or parents that need taking care of and I still find it challenging to find time to do everything on my plate during the course of the week.
Also, once you become accustomed to a certain financial comfort level it's hard to find and release thousands of dollars towards something as intangible as education. The certainty that it's the right thing to do and that it will "pay off" is not there anymore.
And finally, it's hard to get back into the swing of things! Did I really read textbooks for hours on end...highlighting and writing notes? How? Why?? Was that really the best way for me to absorb and retain information? Was I learning the material or learning how to pass an exam? Judging by what I remember of Biology 101, I'd say the latter.
I was thinking today, if I had just gone on to do my Masters when I was 23 I'd be done and in a (very?) successful position by now. The whole course of my career would be different! And also my life...which is kind of scary. I mean, I would never have gone to Australia and met the amazing friends I made there. Which in turn means I wouldn't have gone on to Ireland or England and learned how adaptable I am. I might not have discovered my strength, independence, and ability to deal with challenges and uncertainty. I probably would have fallen in and out of love...but with completely different people. I might not have discovered my love of traveling until much later in life, if at all!
And most of all, I probably would have done my graduate work in something science related. But the evolution of THIS life has taken me all over the world, working in different industries and organizations, and through a variety of positions. I've done things and met people who have forever changed who I am and who I want to be.
So, I say to my eager, younger self and anyone else who is reading, "Don't worry, everything will turn out just fine. The School of Life has many lessons to teach you, each one as valuable (or more so) as what you will learn at university. You are never too old to learn. Trust in the journey and enjoy the ride."
