She was just a chance acquaintance outside the Botanical Gardens.  Marilyn P. was making casual conversation with Paula and me while she cooled down outside the Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati. She and her husband were selling gorgeous orchids inside at the Orchid Show.  Somehow in on our five minutes of camaraderie she shared that she’d earned a Master’s in Education in her 50’s.   More about that later.

A couple of weeks ago, I was going through a crises.  Embroiled in a tough class project for an MBA class, it seemed like  more trouble than it was worth.  Paula had recently talked with her brother about starting work on a master’s program at UC.   “What good will a master’s degree do you in your 50’s”, he asked incredulously.  Outwardly, my snide reply was, “More than not getting a Master’s – ever!”  Inwardly I was asking myself the same question!

Marilyn’s casual comments helped me see clearly.  She talked about getting her ME in her 50’s and still using the “techniques and strategies from the classes” everyday in her work as a substitute teacher.  Did I mention she’s 65 and still working?

In case you missed it – the world fell apart last year and we’re all probably going to work a lot longer than we planned.  Isn’t it better to  face those extra years with as many widgets in the ol’ toolbox as possible?  Late bloomer?  Maybe…but better late than never!