About

Why I’m Going Back to School at 55:

My Journey to Becoming an Online Counsellor

Hello and welcome to my blog, Educating Shelly! I’m thrilled to have you join me on this exciting journey as I return to university after 35 years to pursue a psychology degree. At 55, I’m taking on a new challenge, one that I never imagined I’d be facing at this stage in my life. But here I am, diving back into the world of academia with a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference as an online counsellor.

Why Now?

You might be wondering, why now? Why go back to school after so many years? The answer is simple yet profound: I believe it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

For most of my life there’s always been a part of me that’s yearned to do more. Psychology has always fascinated me—the way the mind works, how we process emotions, and how we can help others navigate life’s challenges. However, life’s demands and responsibilities kept me from pursuing this interest earlier. 

As the years passed, the urge to make a difference grew stronger. I started exploring ways I could use my life experience and passion for helping others in a meaningful way. That’s when the idea of becoming an online counsellor came to me. With the rise of digital platforms, I saw an opportunity to reach and support people from all walks of life, right from the comfort of their homes. But to do this effectively, I knew I needed to equip myself with the right knowledge and skills—and that meant going back to school.

The Challenges of Returning to Education

I won’t sugarcoat it—returning to education after 35 years is daunting. The thought of sitting in a classroom again, surrounded by students half my age, was intimidating. Would I be able to keep up? Would I fit in? And then there’s the sheer volume of information to absorb—something I hadn’t done in decades.

But I’ve always believed in facing fears head-on. The first step was acknowledging the challenges and then taking proactive measures to overcome them. I started brushing up on study skills, familiarized myself with modern educational tools, and reached out to support networks for mature students. It’s not easy, but each day I remind myself of my goal: to become a compassionate, knowledgeable counsellor who can truly help others.

What I’m Learning So Far

The journey has only just begun, but already, I’m immersed in the fascinating world of psychology. From understanding the basics of human behavior to exploring complex theories of the mind, each lecture feels like a step closer to my goal. And it’s not just about the academic knowledge—this experience is also teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the power of lifelong learning.

One of the most surprising discoveries has been how much my life experiences contribute to my understanding of psychology. Whether it’s managing stress, dealing with loss, or navigating relationships, I find that I can relate to many of the concepts on a deeply personal level. This connection between my life and my studies is something I plan to explore more in future blog posts.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Becoming an Online Counsellor

My ultimate goal is to become an online counsellor, providing accessible, empathetic support to those who need it. In the coming years, I’ll be sharing my journey with you—everything from the courses I’m taking to the skills I’m developing. I’m excited to learn more about counselling techniques, ethical practices, and how to effectively communicate in a virtual environment.

The world is changing, and so is the way we access mental health services. I believe online counselling is the future, offering flexibility and convenience to clients. As I work towards this new career, I’m eager to explore how technology can bridge the gap between those seeking help and the support they need.

Join Me on This Journey

I’m not just doing this for myself—I’m doing it to inspire others who might be considering a similar path. Whether you’re thinking about going back to school, changing careers, or just exploring new interests, I want you to know that it’s never too late. Life is full of opportunities, and with determination and passion, you can achieve anything.

So, join me on this journey! I’ll be sharing my experiences, challenges, and successes along the way. Together, we can navigate this new chapter and inspire others to take the leap into lifelong learning.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more of my story with you in the coming weeks.

Until next time, keep learning and growing!

Shelly