Then and Now

I was having a mid-life crisis—actually, I now call it a mid-life celebration—when I started at SLCC. I was in my 40s, my kids were getting older, and I was searching for what to do with the rest of my life. I had been volunteering at a free health clinic in Park City, when I realized that I really liked the clinical side; I wanted to be a medical provider. It seemed far-fetched—I dreaded science classes, had already had a career in public health, and had two degrees, one from Stanford and one from Columbia University. But I didn't know what to do with that feeling.

A friend said, "Just take one class at SLCC, and see how it feels." I signed up for two, a biology and a chemistry class, and much to my surprise, I loved them! I decided to pursue becoming a nurse practitioner and spent 3 to 4 years at SLCC part-time taking pre-requisite classes, then went on to earn my nursing degree from the U of U and then moved directly into a Master of Nursing program through Duke University.

"At SLCC, I had the most amazing teacher I have ever had, and I have 4 degrees from some good schools."

At SLCC, I had the most amazing teacher I have ever had, and I have 4 degrees from some good schools. This professor taught anatomy and physiology, and she made it interesting and kept us accountable. Her classes filled up fast. I received a truly exceptional education at SLCC, and I learned that the U of U appreciates and knows the rigor that SLCC requires in these nursing pre-requisite classes.

I was sometimes the oldest student in my classes, but students were always welcoming, and I connected with them for study groups and projects. I never felt left out based on my age.

Now, I work part-time at that free health clinic as a women's health nurse practitioner; I am like a kid in a candy store. I love what I do.

Advice

Listen to yourself. Don't be afraid to pursue something and take that one class—that is doable. I think it is just as important figuring out what you don't want as it is figuring out what you do want. Now, looking back, I'm struck by how much time there really was to start a new career.