It's Never Too Late: The Journey of an Adult College Student
By Sal Vera
Fall 2025
Now, I’ve faced several challenges in my life, and each time I take a step back, I realize how “crazy” life can be, almost like an endless rollercoaster ride. Returning to college wasn’t just about my personal growth or expanding my mindset; it was about finding a way to ground myself in having structure. One of the things I addressed within myself was the regret of not finishing my education earlier when I had the chance. I had to choose between paying rent and paying for school, especially during the start of the infamous COVID pandemic. I knew deep down that I’d always regret not going back to finish my degree. This blog talks about the ups and downs of this journey as a returning adult in college, and the ways to navigate it. Not only will this be from my perspective, but from experienced students and academic professionals that will help you through.
The Rise of Adult Learners in Higher Education
“Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity, would you take it?’’ states Eminem. Even if it meant feeling “late" at all, it's part of the journey. Across the United States, more adults are stepping back into classrooms, real and virtual, to finish degrees, pursue new careers, or simply just to rediscover themselves. According to, adult learners (ages 25 and older) now make up nearly 40% of all college students, a figure that has steadily been increasing since the pandemic, completely reshaping the way people view education and work. Since the pandemic, adult learners, or those 25 and older, now make up a bigger part of the college student population. The way we think about education and work is shifting to adapt to returning to school after the typical age that students are in college.
Returning to school as an adult is not just about earning a degree; it’s about reclaiming a sense of direction. For a lot of people, education can bring a renewed purpose, an exciting new skillset, and a network of individuals, whether they are fellow students or coworkers, who share the same drive to grow and learn. Of course, the journey is never as easy as it might seem. Balancing work, family, and coursework can feel like you're drowning, and adjusting to a new academic environment can be the final straw, especially at an older age. Yikes! It can trigger feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
Learning from Experience
Cody, a student at College of Dupage, who had returned to school after years in the workforce, stated that he really focused on the value of learning. “The value of learning from higher-educated individuals,” Cody explains, “creates a sense of urgency to achieve your goals. You start valuing your time differently. You have less time for what others think and more focus on what truly matters.”
A survey found that over 60% of adult students return to college motivated by “unfinished goals” or “career advancement.” Starry, a military veteran, admits that “perfectionism can sometimes get in the way: ‘If I do one thing, I want to do it 100%.’ That’s why when balancing school life and military reserve life it would stress me out.’
No matter the age we all get a sense of feeling of academic pressure. The cause and effect of how you got to that point and what would be some good advice to find through certain coping mechanisms, demonstrates this.
Redefining Purpose: Finding the Right Path
Alexia, a 23-year-old industrial engineering major at Elgin Community College, came back to college driven by curiosity and purpose.“Before, I wasn’t confident in what I was studying. I didn’t want to waste time or classes. But after discovering engineering and talking to people with diverse careers, I realized this was something I truly wanted to do.”
Her story reflects what educators describe as “intentional enrollment,” where students find a way to reenter education not because they have to, but because they want to. According to the women returning to STEM programs after early setbacks often demonstrate higher persistence, this is a great example that sometimes it's better to go back as an adult because you are more driven to achieve your goal.
Support Systems and Self-Motivation
One of the attributes that will help you achieve your success is your support network. Just because you're older doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a strong support system. Sometimes, the people around you that haven’t attended college themselves may question your choice or even dismiss it as a waste of time or a scam. So having a support system that applauds you and encourages you will take some of the stress away.
According to Together We Succeed: How to Include Your Family in Your Educational Goals, open communication has to be a huge involvement especially for your loved ones in your academic journey. This can help them have a better understanding of what your goals are and reduce the stress that often comes with the balancing of your school, work, and personal life especially as an “adult returning to college.” A strong support system plays a key role in helping adult learners not only stay motivated and focused on their educational success but feel relieved. One of the strongest factors that help adult learners succeed is having a supportive network.
Returning to school as an adult can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing work, family, and coursework. During my interview with Supna Jain, Principal Lecturer in Communication and Director of the Speaking Center at North Central College, she emphasized how important it is for adult learners to recognize their own value. As she put it, “You absolutely belong here, your experience is an asset.”
Hearing this from someone who works closely with adult and returning students reinforces that your background, maturity, and life experience are strengths, not barriers. Having a support system that acknowledges your worth can make the stressful parts of school feel more manageable and meaningful.
Returning to school as an adult can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing work, family, and coursework . . . [but] your background, maturity, and life experience are strengths, not barriers. Having a support system that acknowledges your worth can make the stressful parts of school feel more manageable and meaningful.
Bridging Generations
Age differences can create unique social dynamics in classrooms. Cody admits he often felt disconnected from younger students: “I don’t really talk to them. We’re in class to learn. The only time we connect is during group work.” In contrast, Alexia thrives in the intergenerational environment: “I don’t discriminate by age. I have classmates who are 18 through 40. We help each other. Everyone’s got the same goal to succeed.”
The Chronicle of Higher Education, notes that classrooms that promote intergenerational learning improve retention and engagement for all types of students,. Age can create social dynamics in each classroom, and from my perspective, the energy in each classroom is a major factor to take into consideration. In some classes, I feel a sense of connection with my classmates, where I can speak freely without feeling judged whatsoever, and the age gap seems to fade away. We share the same ideas and are working toward that same common goal. In other classrooms, though, it’s more challenging to relate. We’re at different points in life, some will have different mindsets on how the world is, and different journeys. Which makes it harder to try to connect beyond the sense of coursework. But at the end of the day, I know we all share that same final goal: that being to succeed.
Imposter Syndrome: Learning to Belong
A common emotion among adult learners is imposter syndrome, the feeling that you’re “late to the party” or somehow undeserving of any type of success. Alexia admits she feels it occasionally: “In my calculus class, I’m surrounded by 17 years-olds, and I think, wow, I’m so late. But then I remind myself everyone goes at their own pace.”
According to, many returning learners have experienced the same doubts despite their ‘real-world experience and maturity.” This “imposter syndrome” is mostly centered among adults. It often stems from comparing oneself, especially when their younger peers are in the same class as you; it might even have some outdated beliefs. Yet, it also highlights that recognizing these thoughts can also be a part of a growth journey that you're still undergoing, and it can build your confidence in this insecurity of yours.
I was late to the game, sure. But I’m in a better stable place. I do feel that I’m behind, but not everyone achieves the same goals, and the same goals at a certain age. So there will be some moments of weakness, but take a moment to reflect that as long as you're taking it day by day, you are achieving so much more than you think. Normalizing these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them. According to the article it suggests that talking about imposter syndrome with peers, mentors, or even family, this is when your support system is needed. This will help you, so don’t feel out of place. Imposter syndrome hits adult learners especially hard, and it often stems from sitting in classrooms full of students who seem younger, faster, or more prepared. Many returning students worry that they are “too late” or that everyone else has it figured out except them.
During my interview with Stephanie Dardon Paz, Childcare Case Manager and Campus Specialist at Harper College, she explained that this fear is extremely common among adult learners. As she put it, “There is no right time to go back to school, you still have every right to be in that classroom just like the person next to you does.”
Her reminder is very powerful because it directly challenges the insecurity adult learners feel. There is no deadline on education, no expiration date on growth, and no age where learning stops. Normalizing these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them. That was her message.
Time Management
Returning as a student can often tamper with your time, especially when it's the most precious thing. Between jobs, families, friends and coursework, adults must master this efficiency without creating themselves to potential burnout.
Top Strategies for Adult Learners Balancing Life and School
Break into study sessions with 25-minute blocks (Pomodoro Technique).
Keep a planner handy for school, work, and family/friend commitments.
Use tech tools like Google Calendar or your Phone Calendar.
Seek any academic coaching from your school.
Treat rest as non-negotiable because self-care sustains success
Everyone Goes at Their Own Pace
When asked what advice she should give to other adults thinking of returning to school, Alexia’s answer was powerful and poetic: “Everyone has a different path in life. Comparing yourself to others steals your joy. You don’t need to go to college right after high school. Maybe you had things happen that delayed you, but that’s okay. You’re still moving forward.”
There's this common value people have, dreams and aspirations; sometimes they get blocked by some “delays.” But then, let's say you have that opportunity now to go back. Why wouldn't you? You no longer have to live with the what-ifs. According to Education Corner, express the what if I’m too old, what if it's too late,. It really does a great job letting you know that at the end, age has no limit to re-entering school, if anything it's a sign of growth and one's compassion to learn once more. No matter what age is at the end, progress is still progress and just taking those steps you're achieving so much more than you want to believe. This goal is to make education feel accessible and achievable for everyone, regardless of age, background, or timing.
Conclusion
It's moving forward with a deeper purpose. Whether you're a veteran, worker, or lifelong dreamer, the door to education always remains open. Don't let people influence you in the wrong way to avoid going back to pursue your education. So don't live in the "what ifs"; start taking action. Life has some wild twists and turns, but in the end, you have the final say, so bet all of it on red. No, but make that final call: go to school; you have it in you.
Sal Vera is a junior at North Central College, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Marketing and Business. At 28, he returned to college to further his education after years in the workforce. He currently works at Apex Wood Flooring while balancing his studies. Sal is passionate about personal growth, lifelong learning, and developing the skills needed to succeed in business.