Why A College Education At Age 45 Is Important To Me

693 words - 3 pages

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Learning the importance of getting a good college education did not come to me until a few months before my 45th birthday. I always knew and understood the general benefits of getting a college education, however I never, until recently, actually ‘got it’ and understood why it was important to me in getting a college education. I have always been successful within my career. I convinced myself that this is the right path, right now. I had become complacent, and honestly a bit lazy. Goals and priorities change right before us without even realizing and before you know it, you are turning 45 years old without a college education.

The general or broader sense of why getting a college education is something that our parents, high school teachers, counselors, etc. instill in us throughout our childhood and high school years. There are many reasons ...view middle of the document...

One article states, “a college education offers many choices and provides an incredible range of opportunities. It provides you with a vast amount of knowledge, which in return, creates self-confidence and self- esteem.” It also states [that] “college graduates feel they have an easier time making a whole range of decisions in their lives (financial, political, purchasing, in relationships, and more) and overall, they report being happier than those without a degree.” (www.info.cunyba.gc.cuny.edu, CUNY BA Blog, posted by Beth Kneller, May 10, 2013). Another article states “there is also evidence that college graduates live longer than those who did not finish school.” (The Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 2013). The two above statements and/ or findings both make sense to a degree and are great, however, they are a bit daunting to read after-the-fact. Does this mean that I will now live a longer life because I have made the decision to go back to school at age 45? Or does this mean I will live a shorter life because I dropped out initially?

Having a clear sense of why continuing my college education is important to me has many facets. Some of the reasons are personal and/ or private reasons. Some are a “for appearance sake” reasons. However, mostly the importance lies within my own set of goals and inner motivation. I want to make sure that I don’t become lazy and that I continue to challenge myself on a daily basis to ensure I never become complacent in life. Everyone has his or her own reasons and motivations for pursuing a college education. There is no correct reason for any one person.

I know my inspiration came from seeing my mother receive her Masters degree when she was in her late 50’s. She is my role model and has helped me establish what I want to accomplish in my life. I now have a little boy and by default, have a part in his young life to make sure he chooses the right path. He understands that I have made the decision to go back to school. This intrigues my son and as well confuses him a bit at the prospect. Ultimately, I know that I have made the right decision.

Works Cited

www.info.cunyba.gc.cuny.edu, CUNY BA Blog, posted by Beth Kneller, May 10, 2013
The Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 2013

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