A growing number of adults, spanning several decades of age, are returning to college campuses to start new careers, update their skill sets, and fulfill long-held educational aspirations. These individuals are often trading established careers or decades of work experience for the demanding environment of higher education, driven by a desire for personal growth and new opportunities.
Valentino Eriksen, 69, exemplifies this trend. After a 50-year career in hospitality, most recently managing a Miami Beach nightclub, Eriksen enrolled at Miami Dade College in Fall 2025 as a journalism major. His earlier college studies in accounting and economics in 1976 were cut short by the workforce. Eriksen, who had been contemplating a career pivot for years, saw the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to pursue his interest in digital journalism. "I know that the business of digital journalism and content is something I want to do," he told The Post, noting he "needed more skills to be relevant." He is now attending classes on journalism ethics and sentence structure, finding a new routine that involves early mornings, the gym, and biking to campus.
Eriksen's experience challenges the notion of age-related decline, aligning with a Yale University study suggesting that nearly half of adults aged 65 and older experience measurable physical or cognitive improvement, often influenced by their mindset toward aging. He feels more vibrant than ever, crediting his routine for maintaining his health and "mental ambition."
Another returning student, Becky Wise, 59, decided to pursue higher education 40 years after graduating high school. Initially, she attended cosmetology school and ran her own salon, later transitioning into event planning. However, a job market shift led her to seek new qualifications. Wise admitted to always feeling "less than" those with college degrees and that not having attended college was a persistent regret. "I woke up one morning last fall and thought, ‘If not now, when?’" Wise stated. She is now balancing 12 credits at Horry-Georgetown Technical College while working part-time and documenting her experience on TikTok. Re-adapting to academic expectations, such as online platforms and MLA formatting, has been a hurdle. Wise plans to earn a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourist Management, with the goal of working at state parks and campgrounds across the country.
At 32, Jazmyn Tonumaipea is also navigating a return to education. After reaching a salary and growth ceiling as an operations manager in logistics, she felt her potential was being wasted. In 2024, she enrolled at San Bernardino Valley College, aiming for personal fulfillment beyond financial gain. She earned three associate degrees in sociology, ethnic studies, and communication. "I took an ethnic studies course because it’s mandatory in California and I fell in love," she said. Tonumaipea is now transferring to UCLA to pursue a bachelor's in sociology with a minor in digital humanities, while also raising her son. Initially nervous about returning to school as an older student, she has gained confidence, finding she can both teach and learn from younger classmates. She is already considering graduate studies to remain competitive in the job market.
These individuals' journeys highlight a broader trend of lifelong learning, where age is not a barrier to pursuing educational goals and making significant career changes.