By Julie Gilless, Director of Marketing, UMBC's Division of Professional Studies

For many years, I batted over whether or not now was the right time to go back to school for my master’s degree, and every year there was something holding me back.  Whether it was working full-time with little spare time, tag-team parenting two energetic boys (one of whom has special needs), trying desperately to manage a work/life balance, or fear of over-commitment (yes, please), I never seemed to make time for me. 

Then I turned 40. And with this milestone came a desire to focus more of my time on personal and professional growth – for me! Not for anyone else despite the nudging from colleagues and the concern from my family (when will you find the time??). It was solely for me. Realizing that I was older than the average graduate student (33 years old according to gradschoolhub.com) and that I bring with me a wealth of experience, I was empowered to begin this journey.