You're Never Too Old for School
- Debby Marindin
- Aug 9, 2025
- 3 min read
When I walked across the stage to receive my Doctorate in Educational Practices and Innovation, I wasn’t the typical fresh-faced graduate in their thirties. Actually, many doctoral candidates are not as the average age according to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is 38.5. I was decades into my career, with a résumé full of professional achievements, and my hair had a few more highlights courtesy of time—not a salon. Some people asked me why I would take on such a big academic challenge so late in life. My answer is simple: learning never stops, and neither should we.
The Myth of the “Perfect Time” to Go Back to School
We’re often told there’s a “right” age to get a degree—right after high school, before you start a career, before family life gets too busy. But the truth is, life rarely follows a neat schedule. Responsibilities, opportunities, and even unexpected detours can push education down the list. For years, I told myself, “One day, when things settle down, I’ll go back.”Spoiler: things never truly “settle down.” I realized if I kept waiting for the perfect moment, I might never start. I
Why I Did It Anyway
By the time I enrolled in my doctoral program, I had already built a career in education, training, and technology. I didn’t need the degree to prove my abilities—but I wanted it to deepen them. I wanted the challenge of high-level research, the satisfaction of completing a personal goal, and the ability to contribute at an even higher level in my field. More importantly, I wanted to model for others—students, colleagues, and even my own family—that growth is always worth pursuing, no matter your age. My current students are Professional Studies students which means they have already taken a break somewhere during their college years and are returning to complete their undergraduate degree. Most are not what you would consider the average college 18 to 22-year-old but they are a wonderful population that come in with so much experience and maturity.
The Real Benefits of Learning Later in Life
Pursuing advanced education in midlife brings a unique perspective:
You bring real-world experience into the classroom. Every theory connects to a lived example.
You’re more focused. There’s no “finding yourself” stage—you know your goals and how this education will serve them.
You value the process as much as the outcome. It’s not just about the diploma; it’s about the transformation along the way.
You connect across generations. Learning alongside younger peers builds mutual respect and breaks stereotypes.
Challenges Are Just Part of the Journey
Balancing work, family, and doctoral research wasn’t easy. There were late nights editing chapters, weekends lost to data analysis, and moments when self-doubt whispered, “Why are you doing this?” But those moments were always followed by the reminder: growth is never convenient, but it’s always worth it.
The Bigger Lesson
Earning my doctorate wasn’t just about a degree—it was about embracing a mindset. Lifelong learning keeps us relevant, curious, and engaged in the world around us. Whether it’s formal education, professional certifications, or self-taught skills, learning gives us the tools to adapt, create, and lead in an ever-changing world. There was also a little bit of me that wanted to make my father proud but he unfortunately passed away 9-months before I got hooded. The irony was that when I told him of my acceptance to University of South Carolina, he actually asked me why I would do this at my age! I realized at that point that this was truly something I was doing for myself!
If You’ve Been Waiting, Here’s Your Sign
If you’ve been thinking about going back to school—whether for a degree, a single class, or just to explore a passion—don’t let age stop you. Your lived experience is not a barrier; it’s your superpower. Education at any age is an investment in yourself, and that investment pays dividends for the rest of your life.
So here’s my message: you’re never too old for school. In fact, you might just be arriving at the perfect time.
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