Finding My Second Start at Drexel

Coming back into academia in your thirties isn't easy. When you've been out of school for over a decade (and when your first attempt at college didn't go quite as planned), the idea of stepping back into the classroom can feel intimidating. Thankfully, Drexel has an incredible support system designed to help "adult learners" find their footing again.

During my first term, I enrolled in a class specifically tailored for transfer and returning students. It focused not only on the academic skills we'd need to succeed but also on the mindset and habits that help older students balance school with work, family, and other responsibilities. That course gave me the confidence to navigate everything from time management and study strategies to reconnecting with the rhythm of academic life.

They reminded me that learning is a lifelong process and that it's never too late to start again; especially when you're presented with the right environment and support that was offered at Drexel, success really is possible at any stage of life.

Drexel directly prepared me for career advancement by providing both the technical foundation and practical experience I needed to make a successful transition into cybersecurity. I was fortunate to land my first IT position during my second term, and as I progressed through my courses, I found myself able to immediately apply what I was learning to real-world situations.

The curriculum gave me a solid grounding in systems, networking, and security principles — knowledge that helped me move from an entry-level IT role into a mid-level cybersecurity position within just a couple of years. That advancement wouldn't have been possible without the depth and relevance of Drexel's instruction.

Beyond the classroom, I found a strong sense of community among Drexel's military-connected students. Joining the veterans' group helped me realize I wasn't alone in this transition — many others were juggling the same mix of excitement and uncertainty. We shared experiences, offered advice, and supported one another through the challenges of balancing civilian life, coursework, and future career goals.

Those early experiences set the tone for the rest of my time at Drexel. They reminded me that learning is a lifelong process and that it's never too late to start again, especially when you're presented with the right environment and support that was offered at Drexel; success really is possible at any stage of life.