Back in college today
My last year of three.
There are 18 in my group. And no fallouts, which is unheard of.
All students have made it through academia too, and all are in placements practicing as counsellors around North Wales with support.
If you said that I’d be on a University Course at 62 a few years ago I’d tell you that you were an arsehole !
But I’m still here, plugging away at university jargon, software and protocols with the best of them .
It's funny both you and Rachel in Norfolk embarked on Uni again recently. Good luck with your final year (have to agree with Mrs Trellis that Bun is a strange name)
ReplyDeleteHers is much more academic than mine
DeleteWell done, you’re an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI’ve needed to have something to;challenge me . And something to stroke my ( at times) fragile self worth
DeleteNeeds most people possess joanne
You are showing to others that this is possible.as well as taking a positive step for yourself.
ReplyDeleteYes my friend . The self reflection has been a fascinating journey and a painful one
DeleteIn all the best possible ways, you know above all that Age Is Just A Number - and you are proving it in real life. Not only that, you are bringing all the richness of your life experience and channelling it down into a new career, a new look at life. And I have to say - because I am older than you - such willingness to embrace a new path and a new way of looking, is courage and inner energy, and wholly admirable. Go for it, John Gray, we are proud of you!
ReplyDeleteThat’s incredibly kind and uplifting to read. Counselling , joining the choir, doing that zip wire, Madrid …I’m a work in progress , with lots of work to do. Lots
DeleteAre you back to partying all night and doing drugs, too?
ReplyDelete😂
DeleteOn my bucket list
DeleteFinal year! Hang in there, you’re doing really well!
ReplyDeleteI paid my fees today , the Welsh government subsidises part of the cost of study , and all of us have been awarded 500 £ this year grants to help with our supervision costs
DeleteAs Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel sang...
ReplyDeleteDon't give up
You still have us
Don't give up now
We're proud of who you are
Don't give up
You know it's never been easy
Don't give up
'Cause I believe there's a place
There's a place where we belong
YP in your own way
DeleteI think u
Thank x
DeleteThat's quite an achievement for (add the hated words) for your age. I guess you were the oldest student?
ReplyDeleteI am indeed by a decade
DeleteEnjoy your third year! You are doing so well in your career makeover!
ReplyDeleteMy husband always said I was a lazy academic
DeleteYou were just waiting to head in the right direction after you found which way was the right direction!
DeleteHugs!
Hang on there! The end is in sight. I am proud of you. I don't think I'd have the fortitude to stick with it. We'll all be here to celebrate with you when you graduate. 🎓🎉 xx
ReplyDeleteNext week Tuesdays are going to be very full
DeleteWith my personal counselling at 4 pm and a return to choir at 6
I hope you have a wonderful career as a counsellor. You deserve it
ReplyDeleteWho knows if that’s where I’m going , I’m not sure yet , let’s see
DeleteGood on you, John!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tara
DeleteI think you're very brave, John! I am 63, and not sure I could withstand the rigors of college life. I'd love to audit some college courses, to learn some new things, but to seek a degree, eh, I am not sure I have it in me. Well done, John! You will be the kind of counselor so many need, with your life experiences, your nursing experiences, dealing with death and dying - you're the whole package.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is a cert and not degree.
DeleteBut I can top up
Way to go John, almost there, every journey starts with one step and you are well on your way. I think you have made a great choice of a new career.. nursing is a very hard job as you get on in age. Best wishes on this last year. You will make a great difference to so many clients. Gigi
ReplyDeleteI feel myself starting to distance myself from the more negative parts of nursing. Detaching
DeleteThe whole "detaching" thing is interesting; as I think back to a big life change of my own (retirement) I suddenly see that was going on for me too. Thanks for the insight!
DeleteCeci
The process of detaching is so interesting. I did a "slow walk" to retirement by going part-time, then quarter-time. I could feel each stage of detachment (some of which are quite subtle).
DeleteGo John Go! So nice to see that you have that confidence. So many people won't attempt something and never know the possibilities. I had a total.career change at age 50 in a group of mostly recent college grads and I excelled. I had never imagined myself in that position.
ReplyDeleteI still suffer from imposter syndrome. I shared that today
DeleteI do too, as do many. I wonder why.
DeleteBravo! We knew you could do it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, John. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you ellen
DeleteYou have worked hard, John. You are going to be a fabulous counselor.
ReplyDeleteI hope so
DeleteYou are a natural for this type if work. I admire your ability to forge ahead. I was rather proud of myself for finally going to college in my thirties - now that seems so young! - Jackie
ReplyDeleteWell done you too
DeleteGood luck for your final year.
ReplyDeleteHowever you may find counselling a lonely occupation once you've finished your course and stop nursing.. No colleagues in close contact, it's a one to one occupation and you definitely can't date a client! As you already suffer from being lonely now could be the time to try to rectify that ready for the future.
I guess, every job has its downsides , nothing is simple and easy
DeleteWell done you ! You should be very proud of yourself. Best wishes !
ReplyDeleteXx
DeleteIt's absolutely brilliant that you have done with this and are now in your final year. Julie Walters and Educating Rita spring to mind, only I think she was a bit younger and a real fish out of water. But I loved the part of it where she gradually got 'in' with all the youngsters and became a real version of herself, helping them with all her life experiences as they helped her with all the in-things she needed to know.
ReplyDeleteI’m full of such tales I’m sure some on the course are sick of them
DeleteA life of learning is a very good thing.
ReplyDeleteNext time it’s back to film studies
DeleteI'm so impressed Jonno! This next career will see you through to retirement and provide a much needed service to your communities. Good on you, and good for keeping up with the youngsters!
ReplyDeleteLet’s hope it will help, who knows
DeleteYou are a remarkable man - so happy to know you from a distance.
ReplyDeleteDitto Sandra
DeleteCongratulations to you and all in your group!!!
ReplyDeleteMay this last year be interesting, challenging, and enjoyable!
Be kind to yourself.
Mindfullness is big on this years sybyllus
DeleteWhat a marvelous accomplishment for you and the other successful members of your class!!! Hope the year ahead is a joy for each of you.
ReplyDeleteIf you hadn't started this course, you'd still be 62, so aren't you glad you bravely changed the direction of your life? Applause!
Hugs!
My knees are playing up . Another nail in the coffin
Deleteit's a brilliant achievement, good for you xx
ReplyDeleteThank you julie
DeleteNo guts, no glory! Way to go. I did the same at sixty and have never looked back.
ReplyDeleteKatie
Tell us your story katie
DeleteHow quickly time flies; is it really the last year!! Having a brand new career, and your third life changing one to boot. I don't know where you get the stamina from to just keep going. I'm impressed; you are close to the finish line and you are going to be a fabulous counsellor. I'm all up for counselling and if I needed some right now you'd definitely be the person I would pick. Good luck for the last year!
ReplyDeleteOur group had some space to talk today and everything feels more attainable , less stressed than last September
DeleteI. Know you are not searching for validation, your group is sharing that emotion. But to add skills and knowledge and experience to your stockpile can only be positive even if you decide not work in the field
DeleteLee
Yes it’s been a nice day Lee catching up
DeleteYour accomplishments at University are impressive. Working, running a household and community volunteer projects keep you very busy. Well done John.
ReplyDeleteBoth you and Weaver have/are been good for me to keep on working/studying. Not just saying this is what I want/should been doing.
ReplyDeleteYou have such courage and perseverance. And you're "still standing", even after the worst of times. Proud of you and happy for you too.
ReplyDeleteI think that what you are achieving is amazing. Xx
ReplyDeleteYou are a better man than I am Gunga Din.
ReplyDeleteWhy, you college boy!
ReplyDeleteYou will do well .... no doubt about it
ReplyDelete