Carol Whiteley

“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters”. Lucius Annaeus Seneca, philosopher, c. 3 BC – 65 AD.

Is there a certain age that you decide to give up your dreams? I contend that as long as you have dreams, it is not too late to pursue them. I am in the counseling program in pursuit of my second career. It is invigorating to be a part of this fascinating field of study. No, I don’t have to do anything. I already worked for 27 years as an educator and I have retirement income.

But I feel I have something to offer the profession. Life experience is invaluable, especially when one has lived through and overcome obstacles. I am not knocking the student who is just beginning the journey. He or she have many more years than I do to work in the field and more energy to do it. But I have years of trial and error that could be tapped. Why not put it to use?

I believe, and have been told by professionals in the field, that people like me are needed. We aren’t so easily rattled. We aren’t just starting a family. We don’t necessarily need big salaries. So I think it is a safe bet that there is a place of employment for me and other older students, once we graduate.

Carol Whiteley is a counselor in training at Argosy University in Atlanta.