Life's University

As a middle-aged woman I went back to school
Afraid that I'd fail and be seen as a fool.
I took college classes, by night and by day
Some were not easy, but quite hard, I'd say.
The difficulties came when I had to learn Math,
My confusion and struggle, at times, turned to wrath.

Sciences included Meteorology and Logic,
There was History, Humanities; by gosh, I've got it!
English and classes in Speech, I did crave,
Or challenging professors with each question I gave.
Two years were finished; halfway, I was there!
To University, now! How will I fare?

I decided to do what young coeds might do
And lived in a dorm room on campus; it's true!
"Don't eat at the dining hall; it's gross!" they would say.
I had to agree, but would still grab my tray.
At first, it seemed odd, my living so close to these youth,
As old as their parents, I was getting long in the tooth.

Each day turned to weeks, and for months we would grow
Closer as friends; some would want me to know
Things they could not tell their moms or their dads
Without fear of my criticism or calling them, "bad."
They offered me, too, time for my family to move
Past old wounds; And with me shared their hearts and their love.

Learning formulas, theories, and statistics are good
But the reason for schooling is often misunderstood.
I learned more in four years from those I met on my way
Students, professors, or food servers each day.
Each gave of a heart, or sound knowledge, or time
To assist others through challenges, academic or life.

Then one summer's day wearing my cap and gown I did walk
With my head held up high as I heard the valedictorian talk.
I thought about my age, if I would do it again
And what I'd learned of myself from these young women and men.
As a non-traditional graduate at a ripe forty-eight,
There are many things you can learn; it's never too late!