A return to school at any age will be rewarding and fruitful

If you’re a mature worker trying to decide whether it’s worthwhile to go back to school to get that college degree you’ve always wanted, you’ll get plenty of encouragement to do it — not only from me and other job experts, but also from your peers who have taken the leap.

Carol Kleiman / Syndicated columnist

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"I went back to college for three years and got my bachelor’s degree in 1989 when I was 46 years old," said Della Richardson, adult student coordinator of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.

"At first, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to compete with those smart, just-out-of-school kids. But, not only could I compete, I could do better than they could! I had years of life experience to relate to what I was learning in the textbooks. My degree was the best investment I have ever made. It gave me confidence in myself, which is something money can’t buy."

It’s also the reason she has her present job.

"It opened doors for me that I would never have been able to enter," Richardson said. "Four years ago, my alma mater hired me to work with their re-entry students. Isn’t this a great way to make a living?"

It sure is. And having a bachelor’s degree makes a big difference in career opportunities. No matter your age.

"I worked as a registered nurse from 1946 to 1986," said Helen Peele, of Park Forest, Ill., who today is a part-time therapist in substance abuse and family-related issues.

"In 1981, I was graduated from college with a bachelor’s of science degree. In 1998, I completed my master’s program in counseling — at age 72. I will be 79 in December and am still learning through seminars and workshops. It is truly never too late!"

Shelley Bresler admits that she "hesitated returning to school for years, thinking I was too old. But I finally dared a friend to go back to school with me and we both plunged in. I was 46 years old.

"This time around, I took classes that really interested me and enrolled full time in a teacher-education program. After teaching for a few years, I was offered a new job, in a new direction, that turned out to be my dream job."

Bresler’s dream job is her present one: She’s a sales representative for World Book and is based in Tucson, Ariz.

"At age 55, I am doing something I absolutely love, that pays me better than any job I have ever had, and I still have time to spend with my grandkids!" she said.

And her friend who went back to college with her?

"She just completed her master’s degree in art therapy and loves her job, too."

E-mail questions to Carol Kleiman at [email protected]. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

Copyright 2004, Chicago Tribune