Miami Mother Embraces Second Chance at Higher Education
Returning to college can be daunting at any age, but for one Miami mother of four, it was a journey of rediscovery and fulfillment. Ana Bassett, a 48-year-old Miami Dade College student, is proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
As a mature student, Ana Bassett’s story gained attention as a finalist in the 2023 NPR College Podcast Challenge. Sharing her experiences through her podcast, “Midway Through,” Ana reflects on how returning to education in her late 40s has reshaped her life.
In her podcast, Ana voices some of the existential questions many face as they age. “Do you feel that you need to reassess your place in the world as you realize you have lived half your life?” she asks. Ana decided to return to college to complete a degree she had left unfinished nearly three decades earlier.
The journey was not without its challenges. “Do you ever ask yourself, how do I stay relevant and remain valuable as I grow older?” Ana wonders. Her decision to go back to school was driven by a longing to achieve a lifelong dream of becoming a mental health therapist, a path she initially set aside to focus on her family.
Ana speaks candidly about the difficulties she faced: “I had doubts about doing this at my age. It had been 28 years since I was last in a classroom. I didn’t want to keep longing for a second chance.” Despite these doubts, Ana’s experience as a mother equipped her with skills in resourcefulness, problem-solving, and independence, which eased her transition back into academia.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Ana’s son, Julian Bassett, expresses his admiration, saying, “For me, it’s very inspiring to see you going back to college. ‘Cause you’re proving that no matter how many times you may let go of your dreams, you can always get them back, and you can always follow them.”
Julian, who also studied at Miami Dade, sees his mother’s determination as an example of pursuing second chances in life. He notes, “You’re creating a second chance for yourself at a time in your life where not many other people think they could do the same.”
Having completed her associate’s degree in psychology last May, Ana is taking a brief hiatus before continuing her studies in counseling. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to go after your dreams, and her journey is a testament to the enduring power of education and self-discovery.
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