We recently shared a post on our blog, Am I Too Old to go to Grad School? This post discussed how going to grad school at an older age can be more of an advantage than a disadvantage. The ability to draw from your personal life and work experiences is a gift!

It takes courage to follow your dreams and go back to school, no matter your age. While it’s always great to get the stats and figures that explain how grad school students come in all ages, sometimes it is more powerful to put a face to it all.

Meet Sheryl. Sheryl is 62 years old and will be graduating with her BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Human Human Development in May 2019.

A Degree Years in the Making

“I am finally completing my degree after 40 years of stops and starts.”

Sheryl has wanted to complete her studies for many years, but it always seemed as though it was not the right time.

“Marriage, health crisis, children, and just life, all caused many obstacles to completing my studies.”

So, when did she finally decide to go back to school?

After putting the last three of her children through college, she realized that this was the moment to finally follow the dream she’s always had of getting her BA in Liberal Studies. What we find most inspirational about Sheryl’s story is how she didn’t allow herself to give up.

 

Valuable Lessons for Every Diva

“My most valuable lesson is – It is never too late.”

The truth is, the average age of graduate students is 33 years, and one in five are over the age of 40.

If this is the case, if most grad students are over 30 years old, then why do we keep telling ourselves that we’ve “missed that boat”? Why do we keep pushing our dreams aside? Why do we keep making an agreement with society that a woman’s dreams and goals have an expiration date?

Our Back to School Diva, Sheryl, is living proof that as long as you’re alive, your dreams are still valid!

 

“This is one thing that I truly did for myself. I am proud and honored to be part of the class of 2019!”

After trying for four decades to get her degree, there had to be something that kept her going and believing that she will ultimately reach her goals.

“Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ’ and Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I have plans for you to prosper.’”

She’s determined, strong, and believes that her career and educational dreams are valid at any age. Sheryl is the true definition of a Back to School Diva!

Her selflessness in taking care of her family and her resilience in going back to school and completing her degree at the age of 62 when many would have given up, makes us so proud. We hope this real-life story will help to inspire anyone else who may have doubts about whether it’s still possible.

We’re excited to feature Sheryl as our Featured Diva!