"Mission Possible: Returning to School After Years Away"

For years, I carried the quiet ache of unfinished dreams. Life had taken me on a winding path—one that tested my strength, reshaped my identity, and ultimately led me to rediscover the courage I thought I’d lost.

I was divorced after a difficult marriage, left to raise three children on my own. Those years were heavy. I was a single mom trying to hold everything together, often feeling like I was drifting without direction. But even in the hardest moments, I never stopped hoping for something better—for my kids, and for myself.

Then, in what felt like a blink, everything changed. I met my husband after just a month of talking, and somehow, I knew. We married quickly, and I stepped into a new chapter: the life of a Sailor’s wife. That meant moving often, adapting constantly, and learning to build home wherever the Navy sent us. Together, we added two more children to our family, and my heart grew even fuller.

But somewhere in the whirlwind of motherhood, marriage, and military life, I still carried that quiet dream: to become a teacher.

Why Moreland University?

When I finally decided to take that leap, I chose Moreland University—a place that felt like it was built for learners like me. Moreland is geared toward students from all walks of life, all over the world, and of all ages. It’s military friendly, flexible, and deeply respectful of the diverse paths that bring people back to education.

As a Navy spouse, I needed a program that understood the realities of military life: the relocations, the time zones, the juggling act. Moreland offered that understanding—and more. It gave me a space where my experience wasn’t just accepted, it was valued.

A Divine Confirmation

Not long after I began exploring Moreland, something remarkable happened. A teacher at my school—Ms. Burk, someone I deeply respect—was finally hired after applying many times. I had no idea she had gone to Moreland herself, and even more incredibly, she had become an instructor there.

That discovery stopped me in my tracks. It felt like Heavenly Father was aligning the pieces in ways I couldn’t have orchestrated myself. It gave me a deep sense of peace and purpose. I wasn’t just choosing a program—I was stepping into a path that had already been prepared for me. And now, I had a confidant. Someone who had walked this road before me, who believed in me, and who could guide me with both empathy and experience.

The Emotional Weight of Starting Over

I was scared. Not just of the coursework or the technology I hadn’t used in years—but of being seen. Seen as older, as out of place, as someone who might not belong in a classroom full of younger students. I worried I’d forgotten how to learn, how to write academically, how to speak up.

But beneath that fear was something stronger: a quiet determination. I wanted to show my children—and myself—that growth doesn’t expire with age. That courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the choice to move forward anyway.

The Practical Puzzle

Going back to school meant rethinking everything. How would I balance coursework with family responsibilities? Could I afford the time, the energy, the cost? Would I be able to keep up with the digital tools and platforms that now define modern education?

Moreland’s global, online format made it possible. I could study from wherever the Navy sent us. I could connect with fellow learners who were also navigating complex lives. I leaned into my strengths: empathy, organization, resilience. I reminded myself that being older didn’t mean being behind—it meant bringing wisdom, perspective, and purpose into the classroom.

The Power of Encouragement

One of the greatest blessings in this journey has been the support I’ve received from the teachers at McCool. They’ve cheered me on, offered advice, and reminded me—sometimes when I needed it most—that I will be an amazing teacher. Their belief in me has helped me believe in myself.

What I’ve Learned So Far

• You don’t have to be fearless to begin. You just have to begin.

• Your life experience is a strength, not a setback. It shapes how you learn, how you connect, and how you teach others.

• Your children are watching. And when they see you persevere, they learn that setbacks aren’t the end of the story.

• God’s timing is real. Sometimes the confirmation you need comes through people placed in your life at just the right moment.

Why I’m Sharing This

I’m building this blog not just to document my journey, but to encourage others—especially those who’ve faced life’s detours—to believe in their own comeback. Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, a military spouse, or someone who’s simply been away from school for a while: it’s not too late.

You are not too old. You are not too far behind. You are not alone.