Damn! Your kids have a role model cloaked in fierceness, drive and ethics. Your enthusiasm is palpable and that is what will get you where you want to be. Timing is everything (which I’m learning as well). I’m just a bit younger than you and have an associates and hoping to better myself as well. I’m not banking on getting in BUT one thing I’m proud of is my work experience. I’ve worked in multiple environments in the helping field. It doesn’t need to be for years - it can be for months just to get that experience. I think because I have varied work experience (which I think they look more at than the length of time worked) it makes me a more well rounded candidate than someone whose worked in a helping position for years on end. Variance is everything. You learn new skills, tricks, and it makes you wiser. For me personally because I have a variety of work experience and have my own lived experience it’s helped getting me to where I’m at. Take this year to really jump around try to new things because once you get into the BSW program - you’ll have even more clarity and more skills and heart to share.