After 11 months of anticipation, I got the news – University College Copenhagen had accepted my application to study textile design and offered me one of 52 spots to start my dream education. But now what … was I really prepared to start another bachelor’s degree in my 40s?
Would they think it was unfair for an older woman to take a coveted spot that could have gone to the younger generation?
While I was struck by this reality, it was only fleeting – my determination and excitement won out. Who says it’s ever too late to start over?
… And starting over is exactly what it felt like.
To get to know each other, our first “assignment” was to come to school dressed in a 90s-style outfit. I had been there before, living through my 20s in the 90s, at a time when most of my classmates were just being born. In fact, I still have my entire collection of 90s Betsey Johnson dresses. So, I took a deep breath and showed up in my favorite vintage Betsey.
Not only did I wear the same Betsey dress that I wore when I walked the halls of my high school back in the 90s, but the same insecurities from that time came flooding back.
Would they laugh at my interpretation of design?
I was ready for the academic challenges that would lie ahead, but I had forgotten the fact that I would have to get to know 51 new people – most of them half my age. I have always loved working with younger employees, but it felt different now that we were peers.
Would my new classmates look at me and think this 40-something woman didn’t belong?
Lesson Learned!
What I realized that first week of school was that while there are many things we learn as we get older, our need and desire to fit in and belong remains the same. It is a part of who we are; and being able to recognize and embrace that was an exciting first step for me on this new journey.
what do you think?