Opinion: A senior citizen freshman

By Debra Tennison

     “Why on earth would you go back to school at your age?” That question and many  variations on that theme came at me when I let it be known to friends and some relatives that I  was going back to school. “Why” is a good question. There is not a simple out the door answer to that. The reasons are many layered.      

     I have spent my entire adult life doing what needs to get done, working as a nurse for 40+ years, either parttime or full time. After four years in the Air Force I got married and raised six children. I have loved my life and all the people, places, and things that have flowed through it, but at sixty-three I know there is more to my story.  I still have things I want to accomplish. 

     I was very excited about taking the Creative Writing class. Maybe there is a book inside of me. I want to find out. I signed up for a couple English classes and have thoroughly enjoyed the classes while discovering more about and benefiting from the younger generation, their opinions, beliefs, and passions.

     I have gone from “it would be fun to take a couple classes”, to where I am at today, wanting to pursue more education and possibly teach someday.

     If I had to pass along a word of encouragement to other senior citizens, it would be, don’t stop learning, stretching, contributing, and challenging yourself. Do what gives you joy and be open to new things.