Have you ever considered returning to school but think it's too late? Or believed you'd feel too self-conscious surrounded by 18-year-olds? Push your fears aside.

Many institutions' student bodies include a wide range of ages. At College of the Rockies, for example, the average age of students is 27. Linda Goble returned to school in order to change careers later in her life and is grateful she did so.

Linda's story

"This step for me, despite my more mature age of 60, changed my life," she said. "You need to know which career is the right fit for you and that might take some time and life experience, but education is never a mistake."

Linda dreamed of working in the recreation field but did not have easy access to a post-secondary institution — that is, until she heard she could take a recreation program entirely online through College of the Rockies. She now works in her dream job as a recreation program coordinator at a long-term care home.

Jenny's story

The skilled trades tend to interest many mature students, both men and women.

More than 25 years after graduating from high school, Jenny Bateman became one of those students. She took advantage of the opportunity to explore a career in the skilled trades through College of the Rockies' Women in Trades Sampler program. The program allowed participants to try out six different trades over 12 weeks. With the support and encouragement of the electrical instructor helping her to get past her fear of math, Jenny found she was drawn to the electrician program, which she successfully completed.

Kelly's story

Another student who switched to a career in the skilled trades later in her career is Kelly Crombie. With her maternity leave coming to an end, and after 10 years of working in an office environment in both the automotive and construction industries, she was inspired to pursue a more satisfying career. For her, that was the heavy-duty equipment technician program.

"I like being physically active and learning new things," she said. "Mechanics is a very dynamic environment, so I enrolled in the heavy duty equipment technician foundation program and found my calling!"

Having previously studied both English and Philosophy, and having earned a bachelor's degree, Kelly loves to continue to expand her knowledge. The heavy duty equipment technician field provides her the opportunity to do so.

So, don't let age be a deterrent from pursuing your dreams. Whether you're 18 or 80 (we had a student in his 90s!), it's never too late to pursue what will bring you joy and personal satisfaction.