I’ve become a student again at age 57, and quite frankly, it feels a little weird. I eat, sleep, and hang my wet laundry in one 8×12 room, but I accept this as a new challenge; part of reinventing myself in mid-life.
After a thirty-six year–student to career woman to wife to mom and back to student gap–I discovered that unlike social media, student-life is not about connecting and sharing; it’s about becoming territorial. You see my brand new toilet paper roll shrank to half its original size after my three male roommates discovered it on the bathroom shelf. They obviously must keep theirs in the bedroom or else they don’t spend money on toilet paper.
So why would a woman my age, share a bathroom and a kitchen with three young men? Is that part of reinventing myself?
It’s not because I miss being a mom, nor because I envy Madonna who loves dating men in their twenties, and I certainly don’t enjoy the smell of curry and garlic at 11 p.m. when I’m trying to fall asleep. The truth is, I had no idea that my Airbnb in Greenwich, London, had a shared bathroom and kitchen. Now I know why I got such a good deal on this London rental.
In all fairness, the roommates have been quiet as they have exams coming up, and since I need to crack the whip and work hard myself in order to pass the Trinity College TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) exam, I am not too worried about my living situation. I shall get used to bringing all my stuff to the kitchen when I want to cook. At least we each have our own small fridge in our bedroom, so food will not “accidentally” disappear.
Since I found a gym close by, with nice showers and clean towels, I decided to get ready for school, at the gym. A short walk to Costa Coffee, and then I shall be alert for classes starting at 9:30 a.m, until 5:30 p.m. daily.
Reinventing myself in mid-life, requires being flexible, adaptable and “gutsy.” I hope you keep following me as I follow this journey and explore life-changing options.
Have you reinvented yourself in mid-life? If so was it a challenge?
When I met you several years ago I saw one person. Stunning and brilliant as she was, I had no idea she would soon astound me with her bravery!
Cheering for you all the way, Sonia. I enjoy following your adventures.
Shirley Hershey Showalter recently posted..Do You Have a Landscape of Love? A Walk Down Memory Lane
Yay Sonia! Its,always,great to learn at,any age. Kudos!
Thank you Shirley. It’s exciting to have so many options to choose from in life.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Reinventing Myself in Mid-Life
Maria. I think you’ll love living in Spain as well. The TESOL is the ideal certificate for teaching all over the world, as well as the CELTA; that’s the Cambridge equivalent.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Reinventing Myself in Mid-Life
You’re amazing Sonia! And as a certified TEFL teacher (even went on to get my Diploma in TEFL), I know just how tiring yet fun the course is!
ladyfi recently posted..Floating in clouds
LadyFi,
Do you have a desire to one day teach again in a faraway country when your children are out of the house?
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Reinventing Myself in Mid-Life
Sonia, it’s such fun following you around and especially now in your student quarters. It’s certainly a big change from what you’re used to, but anyone who can go off and live on the beach in Belize knows how to rough it. As for reinventing oneself in middle-age, I also went through the reinvention process at the same age as you. Moved countries and lowered my standard of living, and then started a new career that last a dozen years. One of the best experiences in my life as I am sure, this will prove to be for you. Look forward to your next post and photos.
Penelope James recently posted..WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YESTERDAY’S HOME WAS A MANSION AND NOW IT’S ONE ROOM?
I actually wouldn’t mind getting a master’s degree from King’s College!