The first thing I noticed walking into my Monday classes this week was that it’s finals week.
There is something about strutting into that room at 50 years old that feels different.
College kids are typically 18-22 years old. They look a little lost. They are trying to figure life out for the first time. But hey, so are we….kind of.
Some of us are sitting in those same classrooms with twice the baggage. When we walk through those doors, we bring responsibilities. We bring life experience. We bring bills. We bring families. Careers. Heartbreak. Lessons Learned. Scars you’ll never see.
And yet….
We show up.
When you’re a 50-year-old college student, finals week becomes more than just finishing tests or submitting assignments.
It becomes proof.
Proof that we can continue to grow no matter our age.
Proof that we can reinvent ourselves at any stage of life.
Proof that we can still chase purpose even if we’ve faced setbacks. Take wrong turns. Experienced disappointments. Or allowed fear to paralyze us for a while.
It’s not going to be easy.
Some days are harder. When you’re my age, your body gets tired differently. Technology overwhelms you. The kids in your classes think you’re ancient and walk twice as fast. You start to question yourself. Maybe you started school too late.
But then I remind myself:
Late does not mean lost.
Some start early. Some start over.
And some find their purpose after life knocks them down first.
I love being an “older” student.
It’s an advantage.
While others are worrying about who they gotta repost to look cool. We care more about discipline. While others question if they should go to class. We value consistency. And life experiences helps you know how to balance pressure. Priorities. And push through when it gets uncomfortable.
This finals week is about more than classes.
It’s about life.
Each assignment I complete is a statement.
Each exam I pass is a reminder.
Each sleepless night studying proves that I refused to give up on myself.
If you’re out there thinking you’re “too old” to go back to school, change your career, chase your purpose, or start over — YOU ARE NOT.
Listen, courage looks different at 50 than it does at 20.
At 20, we chase what could be.
At 50, we fight to rebuild despite everything life has already taught us.
And honestly?
That type of courage…Hits different.
So this finals week, I’m showing myself out.
Not because I have it all together, but because I didn’t give up.
And that’s enough for me.
~ Peace and Love
– Jay P
Powell 2 Thee People
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