Never Too Old: The Life of a Mature Student

Guest post by Michèle Favarger

Balancing on the Equator, a metaphor for my life as a student.

As a mature student, I really do not fit the profile of most undergraduate students. I started my post-secondary education right out of high school but life got in the way. I always intended to study languages and it is only now that I have the commitment, time and resources to do so. 

For me, this is not a career choice, but a personal one. Inspired by my dad, I have always loved language and this is my opportunity to pursue that passion.

There are quite a few of us mature students on campus. In fact, it is a rare class that does not have some other student of the greying variety. I work full-time and am plugging away, normally taking two or three courses per term. Slow progress to be sure, however I am celebrating the milestone of completing my second major.

With potential theses swirling in my brain, I now have just enough units left to convert one if not both of my majors in Latin American Studies and Hispanic Studies into honours theses and still have room for a couple more electives. 

I am really enjoying my studies. In addition to the excellent classroom experience, I have been able to take advantage of some amazing opportunities. I lived with an Ecuadorian family during a study term abroad in Quito. An Anthropological field school took me to Cuba where I simultaneously pursued a self-directed project on Cuban Street Art for credit.

Last summer I did an internship with the Latin American News Digest out of Washington, DC, translating and summarizing articles weekly from various Latin American newspapers for publication on-line. While this position was unpaid, I did get course credit, and I had my weekends off!

A breathtaking view, literally. Michèle and buddy pose in the thin air at 4,100 m. in Papallacta, Ecuador.

A lazy ride down an Amazonian river on my way to a jungle wilderness lodge.

There is no denying that juggling employment, commuting, personal responsibilities and homework is a challenge. Bills still need to be paid, laundry done and food cooked. At times, I have missed out on family or annual events because I have a different priority. I am blessed to have the encouragement of my husband who often takes over full responsibility for shared chores to allow me time to study. 

My success is also supported by my professors and academic departments. During a family crisis, I was given the flexibility I needed to complete my courses. My employer has been more than tolerant, accommodating my course schedule when possible. The younger students in my classes have told me that they appreciate the perspective I bring to class. That respect is mutual.

My efforts are paying off. My reading of choice is now in Spanish, devouring some of the best authors of Latin American and Spain in their mother tongue. 

You might believe you are too old to return to school. Even if, like me, you choose to pursue further studies for personal goals rather than employment opportunities, just do it! As a good friend and mentor once said to me: “Next year, you will still be a year older, whether you decide to go back to school or not.” For me, the choice has been clear. 

I still have another eight courses to complete before I finish my undergrad degree. After that, I may choose to pursue graduate studies. Who knows? All I know is, despite all the hard work, I am proud of my accomplishments and am excited about the coming school year.