If someone had told me when I was younger that I was going to college in my 40s, I would have laughed at them!
No one in my family is “academic” minded. They all worked/worked very hard, but none made it to the graduate level, not that I know of anyway.
I have loved words since I was a child. From early childhood school writing poems for Mother's Day cards, short poems for birthday cards, to writing short stories for British literature in high school.
But as some of us know all too well, life goes on. I spent my reckless teenage years partying with friends, then I bought a house, got married, started a family, and pretty much took a back seat when it came to myself.
I definitely rekindled my love for writing when my oldest son was a kid. His stories were fun to read before bed and inspired me to write my own picture book. I had an editor review it, but that was as far as I could go.
Looking back, I had no idea what I was doing!
For years I had wanted to write more seriously and learn more about past novels, and eventually I applied for an MA on the Creative Writing course at Manchester Metropolitan University. I wrote a short adult fiction story for my application (which I worked really hard on). When I finished writing the application, it asked about my college education. At this point my heart sank as I did not have a bachelor's degree, only qualifications from the university courses I had completed and my General Certificate of Secondary Education from school.
I half-heartedly clicked “submit” on the online form, thinking oh well, this dream is complete.
About a week later, I received an email from MMU in my inbox and I received my unconditional acceptance letter!
I couldn't believe my eyes. It took me a few days to fully understand. Of course, I signed the acceptance letter at breakneck speed! I'm just starting my second year now and I absolutely love my college. It's one of a kind because it has its own writing school, so my department was centered solely on writing careers.
I made some great friends, had year-round events on campus, and had advice from some of the most knowledgeable professors and well-known authors. It's really exciting.
I've learned a lot. From analyzing books, critiquing and learning how to plot novels, world-building, industry and more. If I said all this I would be here all day.
I’m also halfway through a novel for young adults.
I don't even know where I'm going.I guess what I'm trying to say is never also It’s late to do what you love. This could be taking a course like mine, learning a new language, picking up a new hobby, or even changing careers! Don't sound cheesy, chase your dreams! No matter what they are. You're never too old to do your thing.
I am living proof that becoming a parent does not mean you have to lose yourself. I am self-employed and homeschool my two sons, one of whom is autistic and requires round-the-clock care. Now that I have another master's degree, yes it can be hectic and yes I do have a husband who helps me a lot, but I am doing something! I'm in my forties and studying for a master's degree, which I couldn't be happier about.
If I can do it, so can you.
Do you have something you want to start but just need a little push to finish?
