Go back to school for your Master’s or PhD

“I was surprised by my own engagement level. I read every single chapter of every single textbook, a first in perhaps my entire academic life. I made it work for me: I downloaded textbooks onto my kindle, so my habit of reading while curling up under a blanket didn’t change much. I figured out how to project lectures onto my big screen TV, so even that wasn’t far from my usual Netflix experience. I slipped back into the rhythm of schoolwork more easily than I could have anticipated — and there was something undeniably fun about making flashcards and filling out my planner and color-coding my notes. I’d forgotten the quiet enjoyment of being a nerd. More than that, though, school made me feel small again — in the best way, the way that being in nature sometimes makes me feel small.”

“Absolutely. It’s one of the achievements I’m most proud of. It’s not just about the degree from MIT; it’s about pushing myself out of my comfort zone after 25 years. While many of my peers enjoyed leisurely activities, I challenged myself with rigorous academic work. This decision gave me a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. It proved to me that it’s never too late to learn and grow, and this mindset keeps me motivated and enthusiastic about my work.”