57-Year-Old in First Graduating Class in Cal Poly's Continuing Education BA Program

This summer, Kass Wixom realized a dream she began in 1971, earning her bachelor's degree. Nick Wilson writes her story in Age no barrier to learning in Cal Poly program for SanLuisObispo.com, the website of the Central Coast of California.

“I was so nervous on my first day of class” in 2006, [Wixom] said. “I was worried if I would be accepted. I was nervous about how I’d do. Many of my professors were younger than I was.”

But now, Wixom said she’s considering getting additional degrees.

Wixom is inspiring evidence of the power in facing our fears, especially when they're keeping us from doing something we've always wanted, something we know will improve the quality of our life. Going back to school can definitely be scary, but the important thing to remember is that almost every older student feels the same way. You're not alone, and help is available.

Congrats to Kass Wixom and to Cal Poly's Continuing Education program, which has 4000 students enrolled at an average age of 38!

Here's a sampling of the help I mentioned:

• Tips for Older Students
• Should You Go Back to School?
• Conquering the Fear of Speaking in Class
• Talk about it on the Continuing Education Message Boards