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You’re Turning 50 Anyway, So Why Not Go For It?
Hey there! So, here’s a little life update. I’ve just wrapped up my college journey—again—while tiptoeing toward the big 5-0. Flashback thirty years, I snagged an associate’s degree, but honestly? I had no idea where I was headed. Sure, I always believed I was a writer, but everyone around me thought I should stick with business instead. Fast forward, and I graduated with a bachelor’s in English from Hofstra University, diving headfirst into book publishing and PR in Manhattan.
Now, twenty-four years later, I find myself in the thick of suburban life, driving the minivan and juggling my journalism side gig. I’ve often daydreamed about pursuing an MFA to figure out what to do with my novel. I told my friend, “Grad school will be full of youngsters. Yikes, I’ll be almost 50 when I graduate!” Then she dropped the wisdom bomb: “You’re going to be 50 anyway, just do it.”
What’s the Deal with Age?
Seriously, what’s the deal with age? We watch as our bodies age and decline, but does that mean we have to put limits on fun? I’ve found that aging can feel like a tricky emotional minefield. Some people seem stuck in their “Forever 21” phase, while others are desperately searching for their youthful spark. Maybe aging gracefully is just about staying open to new experiences. Picture any day on the calendar—good health permitting, that day will come. So, imagine yourself at that age and just go for it.
I had my doubts about being too old to go back to school. I mean, while I was busy changing diapers and reading “Good Night Moon” for the umpteenth time, the Millennials were zooming ahead in the digital world. But guess what? I signed up for classes at Stony Brook’s Southampton and Manhattan campuses.
To my surprise, I wasn’t the youngest in the room, and far from the oldest either (shoutout to the 80-year-old classmate!). I was right in the middle of it all. Let’s be real: not many folks in their forties are in grad school. Most are caught in the whirlwind of life—paying bills, climbing career ladders, and dealing with kids approaching college, all while managing mortgages and caring for aging parents.
Life as a Juggling Act
With three kids in middle and high school, a part-time PR gig, and two hamsters plus a dog demanding my attention, life was a bit of a circus. My husband was often on business trips, too. I once got a frantic message from my kids saying they were out looking for dinner because I forgot to prep a meal before class. Another time, my son locked himself out and had to enjoy hot chocolate with our neighbor. It taught me to juggle everything without stressing over age. I made some amazing friends, found joy in writing, and got my creative fire back.
One memorable moment was when my classmate, Sarah, and I sat at Stony Brook’s LaValle Stadium, nearly three decades after my first graduation. Billy Joel was there receiving an honorary degree. As the sun shone down, he said, “If you’re not doing what you love, then you’re wasting time.”
Embrace It!
So here’s the deal: you’re going to be 50 anyway. Why not embrace it and chase after what you love? And if you’re interested in home insemination, check out this insightful post on intracervical insemination and if you want to dive deeper, CryoBaby is a great resource for all things home insemination. Plus, for an excellent overview of assisted reproductive technology, swing by the CDC.
To sum it up, age is just a number. Embrace new adventures, make new friends, and never stop pursuing your passions.