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A Leap of Faith, and a Whole Lot of Learning: Was It Worth It? (Spoiler: Yes.)

  • Writer: Lydiah Dola
    Lydiah Dola
  • Apr 16, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 8, 2025


Photo:  shutterstock.com
Photo: shutterstock.com

I once wondered if going back to school was the right decision. I was already established in my professional career and juggling a variety of passions, from working at a government institution to being a singer/songwriter. With so many other interesting things calling for my time, the idea of sitting in a classroom again didn’t seem as appealing. But something inside told me to pursue it for the personal fulfillment and growth that comes with learning.


An accomplishment. A big one


Photo: Self
Photo: Self

After a lot of self-reflection, I decided to take the plunge and become an evening online student at Liverpool John Moores University. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I had to make sacrifices. Cutting back on music, taking a break from social media, and even missing family gatherings. But the discipline and routine helped me grow in ways I never expected.


What surprised me the most was that I wasn’t the only "older" student. In fact, there were others in my class with similar life experiences, and this gave me a unique advantage. My real-world experience allowed me to grasp the subject matter with deeper insight, while still learning a great deal from the younger students around me. I always thought I had a solid grasp of what I did, but now I realize that having a guide and learning from others is invaluable. The whole experience opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of learning and striving for self-improvement.

Photo: WUC
Photo: WUC

Student of the Year Award




Getting through the challenging program and receiving the Student of the Year award gave me an immense boost in confidence and fueled my drive to advance in my career.


So, if you're thinking about going back to school, take that leap! Age truly is just a number. Don’t let anything hold you back from achieving more.






'' I don’t regret the things I’ve done. I regret the things I didn’t do when I had the chance. '' Unknown









 
 
 

8 Comments


Marietjie Britz
Marietjie Britz
Apr 18, 2023

Congratulations my dear! You have done it!! This course has taught us to work harder and with more dedication, specifically for our age. I am super proud of you and honored to have spent this course with you, we grew so much and were molded into amazing people.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of your journey and what you will achieve. You are indeed an example to many.

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Lydiah Dola
Lydiah Dola
Aug 31, 2025
Replying to

Thank you so much, Marietjie! Your words mean the world to me. This journey wouldn’t have been the same without incredible classmates like you. We really did push through and grow together and I’m equally proud of how far you have come! Your support and camaraderie throughout the course were a true gift. Here’s to continued growth and new adventures ahead. Let’s keep inspiring each other!

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aindiegu
Apr 17, 2023

proud of you! congratulations and now to more bigger stuff

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Lydiah Dola
Lydiah Dola
Apr 18, 2023
Replying to

Erokamano

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Gladys Otieno
Gladys Otieno
Apr 16, 2023

Just do it. Time will pass anyway so better spend it doing something useful. Congratulations, girl!

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Lydiah Dola
Lydiah Dola
Apr 16, 2023
Replying to

Thank you so much...

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kendiannbel
Apr 16, 2023

Very inspiring and congratulations to you.👏👏

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Lydiah Dola
Lydiah Dola
Apr 16, 2023
Replying to

Thank you so much.

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