I thought I was old when I went to seminary at 28. So many classmates were right out of college. Now I’m turning 40 this year; I’ve got plenty of grey in my beard (as my 13 y/o son likes to point out); my oldest, at 15, is already halfway through cosmetology school; and I’m contemplating another degree, possibly law school, and already I imagine looking like a grandpa. All which to say, I really resonate! Your story continues to encourage me.
Aimee, it may feel awkward for you, but it will be the opposite of awkward for everyone else. You bring with you decades of life, and deep reflection on that life, which will bless those you study with. And you will be passing on to us in your writing what you are learning in this new season. Your journey has brought you to see your neighbor as a gift and your neighbor's face as a reflection of God, and now you want to serve with the gifts God has given you. A bit awkward for you but thoroughly amazing to me.
Your honest refreshing vulnerability and transparency will be gifts to the younger people in your course work. They are going to love being around you just the way you are because you are REAL.
I'd send you a private message but I'm too dang old to know how. :D As a CMHC professor... students your age ROCK. Your experiences bring depth to the classroom that round out course discussions in wonderful ways. Be you, show up fully, and you'll love and be loved.
I like your version of mid-life crisis better than my own. I feel like I have collapsed inward and become semi-paralyzed in my own liminal space. For all of my brave talk about risk and failure during my own grad-school days and (short) stint at podcasting, I am in full-on freeze mode. But I’m reading and listening to audiobooks ravenously, so maybe this is building somewhere…one can hope. Thankful as always to bear witness to your process. Praying for you with all these transitions afoot!
Thanks for sharing that, Kelsey. Not to throw another book at you, but have you read A Life of Meaning by James Hollis? It may help with the stuckness.
Aimee! You got this! I went back to school at 54 to get my marriage and family therapy degree and got licensed just before I turned 60. I quickly discovered that it wasn't as scary as I feared, and that my "life experience" (lol) was a benefit, not a hindrance. And get this...I was asked to be an adjunct professor at our local Christian university, teaching graduate psychology students. I joke that I did things backwards, having a big family first, then doing the college thing and having a 2nd career as a therapist.
Congrats on starting your grad school journey! Trust me when I tell you that there are several registered interns/LMHCs at my counseling office that are around your age that are early in their journey and they are among the most beloved therapists. I have no doubt you will do well! 🙌🏻
Pre-ordered. Heads-up that your link didn't work but it was easy to search and find Saving Face at B&N. The code worked! Hang in there and thanks for keeping it real.
I went back to school at age 50 and will graduate with a Master’s in New Testament this year. I worried about fitting in at first but it has been a very rewarding experience. You’ll do great!
Aimee, I wish you the very best with the course that you are embarking on..... and with all the other "Adventures" that you have talked about, I hope that they bring you, and your family, great joy.
Also have a JMU freshman girl AND I enrolled in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree this year. Not easy (!) and a ton of self-reflection which is tricky but GOOD. Best wishes to you as you traverse these waters. The 50’s are ahhhhmazing!! You’re killing it!
I thought I was old when I went to seminary at 28. So many classmates were right out of college. Now I’m turning 40 this year; I’ve got plenty of grey in my beard (as my 13 y/o son likes to point out); my oldest, at 15, is already halfway through cosmetology school; and I’m contemplating another degree, possibly law school, and already I imagine looking like a grandpa. All which to say, I really resonate! Your story continues to encourage me.
Keep going!! We still have so much to learn and live and give, I love it!
Aimee, it may feel awkward for you, but it will be the opposite of awkward for everyone else. You bring with you decades of life, and deep reflection on that life, which will bless those you study with. And you will be passing on to us in your writing what you are learning in this new season. Your journey has brought you to see your neighbor as a gift and your neighbor's face as a reflection of God, and now you want to serve with the gifts God has given you. A bit awkward for you but thoroughly amazing to me.
You are an inspiration for me, Anna!
Your honest refreshing vulnerability and transparency will be gifts to the younger people in your course work. They are going to love being around you just the way you are because you are REAL.
I'd send you a private message but I'm too dang old to know how. :D As a CMHC professor... students your age ROCK. Your experiences bring depth to the classroom that round out course discussions in wonderful ways. Be you, show up fully, and you'll love and be loved.
This is so encouraging, thank you Kristel!
I like your version of mid-life crisis better than my own. I feel like I have collapsed inward and become semi-paralyzed in my own liminal space. For all of my brave talk about risk and failure during my own grad-school days and (short) stint at podcasting, I am in full-on freeze mode. But I’m reading and listening to audiobooks ravenously, so maybe this is building somewhere…one can hope. Thankful as always to bear witness to your process. Praying for you with all these transitions afoot!
Thanks for sharing that, Kelsey. Not to throw another book at you, but have you read A Life of Meaning by James Hollis? It may help with the stuckness.
Haven’t. Will get it on my list. Always thankful for recommendations from trusted sources.
Aimee! You got this! I went back to school at 54 to get my marriage and family therapy degree and got licensed just before I turned 60. I quickly discovered that it wasn't as scary as I feared, and that my "life experience" (lol) was a benefit, not a hindrance. And get this...I was asked to be an adjunct professor at our local Christian university, teaching graduate psychology students. I joke that I did things backwards, having a big family first, then doing the college thing and having a 2nd career as a therapist.
The world needs your gifts. And your weirdness.
Oh, and I preordered your book! So looking forward to reading it.
Yay! Thank you!
This is wonderful! And an inspiration, thanks for sharing, Carmon!
Good for you Aimee! Glad things are going well!
Congrats on starting your grad school journey! Trust me when I tell you that there are several registered interns/LMHCs at my counseling office that are around your age that are early in their journey and they are among the most beloved therapists. I have no doubt you will do well! 🙌🏻
I know I would have been a horrible therapist even 5 years ago. This is definitely a vocation that I had to age into!
Pre-ordered. Heads-up that your link didn't work but it was easy to search and find Saving Face at B&N. The code worked! Hang in there and thanks for keeping it real.
Thanks for letting me know, I got a better link and updated it! And thanks for ordering!
Fyi your preorder link is broken. I went back to school at age 50 and earned my masters and doctorate. I SO get the awkward part!
Thanks, I fixed it. And that is so great!!! These stories are encouraging!
I went back to school at age 50 and will graduate with a Master’s in New Testament this year. I worried about fitting in at first but it has been a very rewarding experience. You’ll do great!
That's awesome Bobby, congrats!
Aimee, I wish you the very best with the course that you are embarking on..... and with all the other "Adventures" that you have talked about, I hope that they bring you, and your family, great joy.
Thanks Kenny!
Also have a JMU freshman girl AND I enrolled in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree this year. Not easy (!) and a ton of self-reflection which is tricky but GOOD. Best wishes to you as you traverse these waters. The 50’s are ahhhhmazing!! You’re killing it!
I’m enjoying the new Aimee! You are blazing a trail you couldn’t have imagined ten years ago!
Thank you!