Am I crazy? So the truth is that I’ve been contemplating going back to grad school to get my Ph.D. for some time. I started the process nearly 50 years ago (I’m 73) and have been increasingly frustrated that I never finished what I started. It gnaws at me like a bad hangnail day after day. It’s been on my mind so much as of late ( and perhaps due to the pandemic), that last year I sat myself down in front of the computer and researched online programs that interest me in the field of organizational development and leadership, programs established in both business schools and schools of education.
My goal – it’s a bit vague – if I were truthful I’d say it was for personal fulfillment. But I’d also like to spend my time continuing to build and enhance a program that I helped develop at the University of Maryland (UMD) training leaders from the emerging markets in urban planning and development, finance and smart growth.
I plunged into the admission process, sending out 7 applications. Now I haven’t filled out an application like that in many, many moons. UGH! …21 letters of recommendation from friends and former co-workers, 23 personal statements and hours and hours contemplating what I want to do with this degree )primary question asked both orally and in writing by each and every school).
The end result was acceptance at all 7 schools ranging from NYU to Baylor to USC. USC is my school of choice. The Program is a joint program in the School of Business and the School of Education in the area of Organizational Development and Leadership – looking at new forms of organization and leadership styles for the 21st Century. Armed with this information I hope to make my program at UMD richer and more innovative.
USC’s program is 3 years long full time, both online and residency. Twenty four students were accepted out of a pool of 430. Average age of accepted students is 32….and then there’s me: 73. I like that. Being with younger people will be invigorating and thrust me into a pool of learners who are cutting edge.
Balancing pragmatism and intellectual interests is not an easy task for me since the two unfortunately don’t merge well. I have to make a decision within 2 weeks. Yes or No. I’m torn. It’s enormously expensive, time consuming, mostly on line and thus (I think) technically difficult. As many have counseled me: so you want to sit in a classroom with everyone more than half your age and with whom you share very little in common and frankly, Bruce, what’s it going to bring you in the final analysis?
I believe I know the answer and which way I’m leaning…Yes, I do want to sit in that classroom and no I don’t have a pat answer for what it will bring me: perhaps a bit of happiness, perhaps some fulfillment or perhaps a whole lot of frustration. Who knows? I have no idea!
They say college is wasted on the young! I’m about to disprove that old adage. After all, 73 is the new 53.
On a personal note my grand niece is a sophomore at UCLA and this just might cause a kind of wonderful, crazy family feud! UCLA vs. USC! Could be fun!
GO TROJANS!
Bruce Purdy is a resident of Oxford, Maryland.
Mary Robinson says
Go for it, don’t let anyone talk you out of it.
Beth Lawton says
You go, Bruce! I think it’s terrific and have plans of my own to continue lifelong learning. The technical skills are not as daunting as you might think – learning and critical thinking are the same as ever, even with different tools to grow and share those processes. Wishing you all the best — and do keep us posted on your progress! PS – book to read in your “spare” time – Never Too Late by John Holt.
Dorothy Whitcomb says
If someone you’ve never met but who has just become an instant fan gets a vote, I vote YES! Both fields can’t help but be enhanced by your return to them. Best of luck!
Anne Stalfort says
Go for it!
susan e delean-botkin says
Bruce, go for it!!! At the very young age of 72, I am contemplating the same thing. Not retired, but full of energy and wonder at the world, I support your endeavor, and hope to follow in your footsteps.
Susan
Eugenie Drayton says
Go for it. You may meet another life friend. I finished a MA in Organizational Management when i was 50. It was online even then and i made new friends that i still cherish. Plus some of the classes were really interesting!! What will you lose by not doing it?
Richard Skinner says
Go for it, sir. I had a PhD at 26 and knew just enough to slide under the barricades required for the degree but precious little knowledge. Now, at 71, I wish I were pursuing a doctorate with the aim of mastering some sliver of knowledge instead of checking off “have to’s” and skating on very thin ice.
Stephen Schaare says
Dear Mr. Purdy, Thank you for sharing this life changing decision. I trust you have a long list of both the pros and cons of moving some 3,000 miles away at the age of 73. Of course, you are not too old to complete this ambitious undertaking.
For me, this seems more a matter of the heart than of the head. Things such as employment afterwards, financial implications, and whether you desire both the attention and deference often granted an anomaly are, in my opinion, matters of the head.
For me, matters of the heart seem to take priority. Change is difficult. Leaving the familiar even more so. Will you be leaving family and friends? What about that old chair, the one by the front window. The one you can flop into at will and be in the bliss of a “kitty cat nap” in less than five minutes? The Doctors you have come to trust, and feel comfortable with as you embrace the challenges of becoming old? Oh, and your favorite shops, so imprinted in your mind’s eye that you could find your way around blindfolded? Don’t forget that favorite eatery, kind’a off the tourist path, with the crab cake sandwich so delicious you can damn near taste it in the middle of the night as you short step your way to “The john”
Figurin’ you wrote today to elicit some feedback and well intentioned advice (based on experience), guess you just got mine.
I am all for chasing dreams.I am also aware that all things have their season. You have, in my opinion, shown more than the requisite measure of wisdom to make this decision. I am with you, regardless. Just think about “the cost”. Thank you and God Bless.
Bishop Joel Marcus Johnson says
Go for it! I am 75, retired four years, and have been tying-up loose academic ends, donating significant portions of my large collections to Talbot Schools, Talbot County Free Library, and collegiate libraries, while continuing to contribute academically to local and international learning causes. These nearly complete, I’ve begun dual learning paths in human neurology and floronuerobiology, along with classmates from over a half-century ago who are both somewhat and prolifically accomplished in these areas. And, since my work was as a symphony executive and NPR classical music broadcaster long before the priesthood, I also am considering work in music history. I also mix fine martinis. It’s a fine time to be alive!
Dodie Theune, PhD says
My Dear Friend,
I returned to academia after my children were grown and completed my PhD in Transformative Adult Education when I was 70! Having been fascinated by authors such as Peter Singe and John Rogers, it occurred to me that I might as well be accumulating credits while submerging myself courses such as creating a learning organization, living a purposeful life and adult development through life coaching. It was time consuming and difficult at times but I managed to keep up with my career and family. I was immersed in subjects I loved and with gallons of Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia at my side I made it through. I did teach at the university level for a few years before moving to St Michaels where I discovered the Academy of Life Long Learning now the Chesapeake Forum. It has been my joy to serve on the board as curriculum chair. I have come full circle! I am certain you will find fulfillment and will thoroughly enjoy the process.
Bruce J Purdy says
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Wilburn says
Oh yes, go for it! Then I can write you and say, “What’s up Doc?”Does this mean another(or three or four) moves? How invigorating for you. I’m betting you’ll be valedictorian👏👏👏👏👏💗
Bruce J Purdy says
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️