I’m going back to University at 62 years of age to do a PGDip in Coaching. It’s all very exciting and I’m really looking forward to studying outside the constrictions of work.

Like many of my contemporaries I didn’t go to University from school. I don’t know anyone that did. Unlike today, where the expectation is to go to University,  back in the 70s you just didn’t. Well not if you had come through the comprehensive system. I went from sixth form  to a School of Nursing and then a School of Midwifery. 

My first experience of University was with the Open University in 1984. I did a course on Health and Disease and became hooked on lifelong learning. I even went to two of the notorious Open University Summer schools. Unfortunately (or possibly lucky) I was married so didn’t partake in all they had to offer.

In 1992 I was fortunate to be given funding to do a MA in Industrial Relations (I was working for a trade Union) and then in 2004 I was part funded to do a Law Degree with the Open University. Both of these were delivered by distance learning and either face to face blocks of learning or monthly tutorials. But studying during this time was challenging. I was working full time whilst doing my MA. I completed my dissertation whilst dealing with first trimester nausea. My law degree saw me with a young family and working part time. By the time I walked out of the final three hour exam I was done.

Not that I turned my back completely on studying. In 2016 I qualified as a personal trainer and in 2019 as professional coach but neither required me to submit 3000 word essays with copious references or to sit in front of an invigilator for the best part of an afternoon. 

But here I am in 2021, 62 years of age, ready to throw myself back into it.

I had always intended to go back to some sort of learning once I retired. I have embraced the mantra ‘2 days earning, 2 days learning and 3 days having fun’. My business is set up but is yet to earn me anything. It is early days. I’m throwing myself into having fun now that the world has opened up again. So it was just the learning. 

Doing a PGDip in Coaching seemed to be the best fit. I am fascinated in the power of coaching. I take great pride in how I’ve supported clients to develop in their careers or transition into retirement. More recently I’ve combined my love of fitness with coaching in wellness. Doing a course that will help me be an even better coach feels right and exciting. 

Applying to University has been a learning curve. I’ve not had to do a personal statement before. I also had to provide my CV. The last version of my CV was a word document dated 2012. Now, thanks to Canva, it is in a glossy new format, photograph and all.

And then there has been the waiting for the offer. I applied to two universities. One made me an offer within days but my preferred option took six weeks. Finally, Iast week I received an unconditional offer  from Warwick University which I immediately accepted. The only downside is that for the first two terms the face to face learning (a two day workshop per term) will be held virtually. How I hate virtual training. But I’m just going have to suck it up. 

I’m a student again. I can study without the challenge of work and a young family. Plus I can enjoy the concessions that being a student brings in addition to those that come with being over 60. Happy days.