Old(er), happy, and in great shape!

Going back to university later in life has made me think a great deal about lifelong learning — but also about something we discuss far less often: intergenerational learning.

As an older student, there are many obvious questions.

How do you combine studies with work and family responsibilities?

How do you return to exams, deadlines, and academic life after many years?

And how does it feel to study alongside people who are a generation, younger than you?

Initially, I thought mostly about the experience from the perspective of older students.

But then another question began to interest me:

What is the experience like from the perspective of the younger students?

I asked several students how they perceive the presence of older students on campus.

Their responses were thoughtful, touching, funny, and at times unexpected.

What emerged was a reminder that lifelong learning is not only beneficial for the person who returns to education.

When different generations share a classroom, everyone may gain something:

different perspectives, different life experiences, different ways of asking questions, and a broader understanding of what learning can look like.

I’m increasingly convinced that universities are not only places where we learn subjects.

At their best, they are also places where generations can learn from one another.

Coaching can help you clarify what you want, understand what may be holding you back, and turn an idea into a realistic next step.

If you’re ready to explore what your next chapter could look like, I’d be happy to work with you.