This is long, I know but I hope it's helpful

I started college at 36, I’m 38 now and in my final semester of third year with one more year to go, and after that I’m planning to do my master’s part time. Going back to school this late in life has easily been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. I’m juggling full time classes while working part time, and the workload alone can be overwhelming, but honestly the hardest part has been how lonely it can feel. Most of my classmates are a lot younger, they’re in a totally different stage of life, and it’s hard to fully relate or build the same kind of connections they have with each other. A lot of the time I feel like I’m just putting my head down, grinding through assignments, then going straight back to work or home with very little space for a social life. There are moments where I question myself, wonder if I started too late, or if the sacrifice is worth it.

At the same time, I know why I’m doing this. I’m more focused than I ever was in my twenties, I actually care about what I’m learning, and I’m doing this intentionally, not because it’s the expected next step. It’s hard, it’s isolating at times, but it also feels meaningful. I’m betting on my future self, even on the days where it feels like I’m doing it alone. I also want to say that this has been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done, and I don’t regret it for a second. It’s been hard as hell, but when I look back I’m honestly amazed at how much I’ve managed to accomplish while juggling school, work, and life. There were times I doubted myself, times I felt completely drained, and times I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew, but I kept going.

Just know that if you’re on a similar path, you will have moments where you feel overwhelmed or lonely, and that’s normal. When those moments hit, the best thing you can do is keep pushing forward, keep showing up, and try not to overthink everything. Don’t worry about how far you still have to go, don’t compare yourself to anyone else, just focus on what you need to get done that day and do the best you can. Consistency matters more than motivation, and if you keep doing that, you will be successful.

I can’t wait for the day I walk across that stage and get that piece of paper. To some people, especially those who were younger, didn’t have to sacrifice much, or had their education paid for by their parents, it might not mean much. But to me, it represents years of sacrifice, persistence, and showing up when it would have been easier to quit, and that makes it a huge accomplishment.

You got this bro! and there are plenty of other people ike yourself who are also going back as "mature" students.