r/MadeMeSmile 20d ago

After being a stay at home dad for 6 years I, 35m, started college alongside my son who just started kindergarten. We got this! Good Vibes

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u/FiddleChickadee 20d ago

I wish you the best! I returned to school (as a newly single mom) when my child started middle school. Ended up with a masters and an improved job situation. It was a challenge but as a full-fledged adult I was so much more committed.

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u/intrinsic_toast 20d ago

My newly divorced mom went back when I was in middle school, too! This sounds so much like what she’d say - I might’ve even wondered if you were her if it weren’t for you getting your Masters.

She enjoyed it so much more as an adult that she kept going after her Associates all the way through law school. She actually decided after 1L that she didn’t want to be a lawyer and regretted choosing that route (she was originally considering grad school to become a social worker but took her LSATs kind of on a whim, not expecting to do well enough but then doing well enough that she was like, well maybe I should go to law school), but she’d already committed by then and said she needed to follow through with it.

It’s been so inspiring as a woman to watch my mom’s journey unfold. She was on long-term disability for major depressive disorder when she made the decision to return to school full-time. Over the next few years, I saw as she started to re-emerge from within herself. I watched how hard she worked in school and to take care of herself and me, stretching every dollar of her disability and financial aid as far as it could go. Six years later, we graduated together: me from high school, and her with her Bachelors. Magna Cum Laude, after earning As in all but three of her undergrad courses (she still curses Statistics to this day).

After graduation she actually went right back into office management and executive assistance, only this time she came with a Juris Doctorate that basically bumped up her salary entry point by like $30K+. My amazing momma has made her way into a six figure income 💪🏻

(long story short, even if your kid has never said so, know that they are probably so freaking proud of you!!)

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u/FiddleChickadee 20d ago

Thank you! Your mom sounds awesome. All the best to you and your family!

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u/Beyond_Interesting 20d ago

I'm in tears, that's inspiring!

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u/laffydaffy24 20d ago

This is impressive. Belated congratulations to you!

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u/SuperMalarioBros 20d ago

You kinda look like Matthew Lillard in that picture

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

That’s actually an amazing compliment, thank you.

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u/Fishstixxx16 20d ago

Those Adidas are crispy, which ones and what laces

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u/IAmSomnabula 20d ago

Not OP, but they look like Adidas Team Court to me.
The lighting is a bit bright on the tip, so I'm not sure.

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u/Fishstixxx16 20d ago

That's what they looked like to me as well. Thanks!

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u/Hebrew_Ham_mer 20d ago

I'm partial to little man's trex shoes

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u/ashidentlyawesome 20d ago

crazy, crafty wife of OP here… drives to thrift store purchases all promising Shaggy-&-Velma-like clothing …. Couples costume time! Yay!!! 🎭

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Can confirm, this is my crazy wife who is crafty.

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u/RoboticKittenMeow 20d ago

Even the comments make you smile after the picture... smile-ception!

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u/albinobluesheep 20d ago edited 20d ago

If you don't have a Great Dane, already GO GET ONE

Not only are they adorable, amazing dogs, but they make for a great Shaggy-Scooby Cosplay partner.

source: Have a great dane and frequently look like Shaggy. Got called Shaggy-scooby at the dog park a few times Edit: added dog tax (engagement photo)

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

I don’t have a Great Dane anymore, I’ve had three during my life tho. As soon as we fence in our back yard tho Great Dane #4 will arrive.

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u/stellamccartneydress 20d ago

I thought it was him at first glance!

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u/FngrsRpicks2 20d ago

Came here to say that!

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u/stillhadthestereo 20d ago

I was going to say how much I loved him in Scooby Doo 2. You know the scene.

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u/PecanPie117 20d ago

🤜🤛

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u/GOD_of_FDs 20d ago

Yup. This is fucking awesome.

I became a stay-at-home because I hated my career so much and it burned me out. I needed time to figure out who I was again and so it was perfect for me.

Now I'm starting a business and it's in early stages but things look really promising. I also got to really bond with my son and it's the best thing I ever did 💪.

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Exactly this. The bond I made with my son is more valuable to me than anything. Congrats on the business startup! What is it if you don’t mind me asking?

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u/PhixItFeonix 20d ago

You got this! I'm a single mom and went back to college part time when I was 36. It's going to take a while to get my degree, but I'm plugging along.

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u/_His-Dudeness_ 20d ago

So glad to see I’m not alone! I’ve also been a stay at home dad for the past 6 years after getting out of the army. Raised my oldest daughter who just started 1st grade, and now 8 months into staying home with my youngest daughter! Once she turns 1 we are going to start her in daycare, and I’ll be going back to college 2 months before turning 37 😳 I’ll probably do online so I can still be freely available for my girls’ appointments and such.

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u/anauditor2 20d ago

You got this!

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u/diabless55 20d ago

This is so amazing! Enjoy your precious time with your girls.

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u/programmerProbs 20d ago

Part time is best if you actually want to learn. Where your costudents are trying to pass the class, you actually get to learn and care about the content.

Although, when you get close to your last 6-8 classes, you might want to sprint to the finish.

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u/PM_CUPS_OF_TEA 20d ago

Agreed! I did my masters between 18-23 and just wanted to complete it, my partner is doing a course one day a week and he actually understands the material. When he asks for help I'm like uh... I'm pretty sure I was hungover in that tutorial

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u/PhixItFeonix 20d ago

I love this plan

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u/danimalDE 20d ago

I took time off and went back. Thankfully I only had about 30 credits left to wrap up my degree. My advice is this, take at least one class every semester, even if it feels like too much or you need a break. Those thoughts are temporary, once you sign up you’ll be locked in and your mind will refocus to buckle down again. And I mean every semester; winter, spring, summer, and fall. Before you know it you’ll have all the credits you need to graduate. I also felt that while the winter and summer sessions went by quicker w more perceived workload, I typically found grading to be easier than a regular semester. Just my experience. Wish you the best on this journey, you got this! If I can finish up so can you!

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u/Boilermaker93 20d ago

I also want to add: talk to your professors. We love getting to know our students and seeing their interests in and outside of class! Btw, I’ve been teaching college English since 1992 and without a doubt my best and most fascinating students are the non-traditional students because of the maturity they bring to the class (particularly when it’s an online class), material, and assignments. Yay all of y’all for going to college!!

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u/babyma- 20d ago

I am 28 years old and just decided to go back to college. All my English teachers in the past have been so memorable. Each one bought something really special to the table. So thank you for your comment. I’m already getting a tad discouraged tho about my English comp class because I feel like I flopped on a recent timed essay. I froze up and couldn’t find words for the topic(where I see myself in 30 years) so I hope my professor has the same mindset you do.

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u/Roxas_Rig 20d ago

Is it hard to juggle mom and work and college? Do you mind me asking what job you do to be able to do both? I'm so nervous that Im taking on too much, but I really want to go back to school.

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u/Aquamarinerose76 20d ago

Hey my parents are in their forties with three kids twenty one eighteen and fifteen my mom has been a stay home mom all my life and few years ago they both went back to college online my dad to become a psychiatrist to help his fellow veterans with ptsd and my mom to become a pair-an-legal if they can do it anyone can

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u/sunnyduane 20d ago

I actually really like my career but I'm thinking of staying at home when I have kids. If we have 2/3 the nursery fees in my country are so high it almost doesn't make sense me continuing to work.

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

I was working in childcare for a few years when my wife got pregnant with our second son, they’re ages 5 and 13 now. I loved that job more than any other I worked but sadly childcare doesn’t pay much. After a lot of discussion my wife and I decided that I would become a stay at home dad since she got to be a stay at home mom with our first child. It’s the best and smartest decision I’ve ever been involved in, no regrets.

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u/Rice-Correct 20d ago

I stayed at home with our two for this reason. I worked in the daycare, but even with the discount, it was not enough to justify the cost of two kids there. So I stayed home for ten years!

And now I’m going back to work as a paraprofessional in an elementary school. First job in TEN YEARS and I am beyond excited. Glad for the time I stayed home. Glad I stayed involved in education. Glad I found a job that works with our schedules but gives me a purpose!

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u/Kashek 20d ago

Glad your excited but don't act like a stay at home parent is not a real job. It's probably one of the hardest most thankless jobs in our society. My wife is a stay at home mom and she works just as hard if not more so than I do. We should be paying stay at home parents. Good luck on your next adventure.

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u/Tolantruth 20d ago

I don’t understand how anyone does it unless you make crazy money. I make decent money now but when I see what coworkers are paying for child care I cringe. If option was stay at home and not pay crazy money or go to work to pay off child care option seems simple to me. You basically need a team of people like some of them just alternate grand parents which only works if you have retired parents nearby.

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u/KE_Finance 20d ago

Well, you also have to consider continuity of career. Sit out of the game for a few years and you’ll miss raises, opportunities, promotions, and develop a gap in your resume. So, it’s not necessarily an even trade depending on your values. Many extremely competent and hardworking women I work with could have risen higher in their careers if they wanted to, but sitting out for childcare throttled their progress in that area of life substantially. But you know, life isn’t all about career so it’s a trade-off.

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u/pvhs2008 20d ago

This is my issue. My bf and I are trying to plan out a wedding, kids, and grad schools, but it seems impossible without paying an insane amount for child care or one and/or both of us taking a hit on our careers. First world problems, I know.

Kudos to the dads on this thread. I can’t imagine how they do it all!

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u/Capt_Thunderdump 20d ago

How do you get by on one income though? I make $80k a year in a cheap part of the country but even then we could barely get by.

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u/ScottyShouldofKnown 20d ago

That’s exactly why I am a SAHM

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u/Unwise1 20d ago

Yup. My wife and I work opposite shifts always. If I'm working 7-3, she's working 3-11, saved thousands on child care but we still require grandparents a few days a week. It's crazy.

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u/altxatu 20d ago

That’s why I’m a stay at home dad. Sure I could work, but what’s the point in working if everything is going to childcare just so I can work?

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u/leggpurnell 20d ago

This is awesome. I teach and worked my summers until we had kids. My wife still has to work the summer but I’m daddy day-care for two months. Best goddamn two months of the year. I can feel that bind strengthen during that time and my wife sees it as well (gets a little jelly in the summer when my girls are snuggling daddy).

Even though I’ve got a degree, I’m so jealous of you getting to go to college, learn, and choose something you’ll love.

Rock on brother!

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u/josh_legs 20d ago

Awesome!! What are you gonna study? Do something sciencey! Or not! Maybe art. Or philosophy. In any case good luck!! Keep your head down and your ass up, as dad always used to say!!

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u/FurretsOotersMinks 20d ago

Although we're not having kids, I'm hoping to give my husband this kind of time off work to figure out what makes him happy. I'm hoping to finish a master's degree in the next couple years and get a job to support us both so he can pursue hobbies, get into writing again, whatever he wants to do.

I'm glad to hear it worked for you and I hope it works for us!

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u/iamlatetothisbut 20d ago

My wife did this for me starting about a year and a half ago and it’s been the most amazing gift. It’ll be a while until I can finish my degree and I definitely have days/classes that I struggle with but I feel so lifted and excited for the future. You can do it!

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u/Broken_Petite 20d ago

What a wonderful sentiment - your husband is lucky to have you! I’m rooting for you both. :)

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u/bulldozed 20d ago

You sound like my partner (i.e. equally amazing and supportive)

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u/Aorihk 20d ago

Man, I would love to be a stay-at-home dad. We live in a big city, though, so it’s damn near impossible unless my wife magically starts making double her salary. I get so much more fulfillment from being with my kids and taking care of/improving the house. I would crush being a stay-at-home dad. I’ve found an excellent middle ground with a super flexible and laid-back coding job. I get to be home every day and drop off/pick up my kids from childcare/school.

Good luck with your business! I have ambitions to do that someday as well. This is the way!

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u/fjicjfjfjcnf 20d ago

Congrats on being an entrepreneur! After being in an entrepreneurial role for a few years, I started working with mid-market businesses on the banking side and I absolutely love working with self starters/entrepreneurs. You’re not just building a living, but an inheritance and inspiration for your son. Also, you’d think bankers make a lot of money, but nobody will ever pay you as well as you’d pay yourself ;)

If you ever want to chat about your business feel free to reach out!

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u/thejoeymonster 20d ago

Whacha selling. I need to buy something.

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u/EssentialDuude 20d ago

I hate my job. I work from home but the work I do is draining. I am starting a business as well! Good luck! I have to go back to school to finish. I am so close to getting my degree. 7 classes left.

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u/MorrisEllithorpe 20d ago

Good luck to both of you! Hope your dreams will be come true! Good luck to your journey as a students.

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u/NonvestrumEstScire 20d ago

I'm so glad y'all took photos of both of you guys. So spiffy and rarin' to go get smart!

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

That’s my wife, she’s always has to get photos. I appreciate it tho because I love the memories.

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u/LouiseSlaughter 20d ago

Make sure you snap some of her often too! What a sweet family you have ❤️

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u/Nick321321 20d ago

This, mr.chin, please remember to take some of her. Life is precious.

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u/salukiki 20d ago

Absolutely spot on. My (then) partner didn't take a single picture of me with my babies and it makes me pretty sad.

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u/Doctor_of_Recreation 20d ago

As a wife who takes lots of photos, I often wish people would take more with me in them, even if I hate looking at photos of me, just so my friends and family can have those, too.

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u/danielleiellle 20d ago

Confirmed. When my mom passed, we went through photos for memory boards only to realize she was behind the camera more than in front of it. Make sure you photograph the family photographer!

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u/DirtyThi3f 20d ago

My father went to university the same day I started kindergarten as well. I vaguely have the memory (this would have been nearly 40 years ago so it’s mainly from being told the story), but sure wish I had a photo. Good luck!

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u/calrebsofgix2 20d ago

I’m sure you already do this but make sure to take pics of her, too! I struggle with this as a husband but someday when you look back you’ll want to see her beautiful smiling face among all those memories

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u/ShinyThingEU 20d ago

You've absolutely got this, but if you have days where you find college hard try to remember: you spent six years keeping a small person alive and raising him to be the happy, confident, person in the photo you shared. You've proven you can do a hard job well. Good luck!

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u/Bafikafi66 20d ago

This comment is the most wholesome thing I've seen today

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u/Meesterchongo 20d ago

My heart imploded

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Crushed by the tiny one’s cuteness? I totally get it

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u/Meesterchongo 20d ago

Both of you ;) but yes the Swag with the lunchbag. You come in second but congrats on bettering yourself and continued growth. Keep on

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

I really appreciate the encouragement and I agree, I will always come second to my son.

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u/perspective2020 20d ago

I did this as a single parent. I wasn’t easy on my kid, we learned together : he’d learn and I’d study/code recall with him using the “did you know...” method. Anyway, decades later he’s a life-long learner with two professional degrees. Yes, he’s gainfully employed in a profession he loves. As an FYI, years later I asked him if he remembered me doing this with him at 5 yrs old and he had no specific memory of being bored or bothered by it. He said he thought everyone did it.

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u/SunTintFlorida 20d ago

Learning and education should be the norm, not the exception.

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u/Pineappleasks 20d ago

I think you come first FOR your son.

Keep growing. You got this.

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u/FuggyGlasses 20d ago

So he be doing your hw too?

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u/Bernies_left_mitten 20d ago

Heck yeah, bros! You at least get some Gushers or Froot by the Foot in your lunch?

Hope you both have an awesome school year!

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Froot by the foot all day!

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u/happygolukcy 20d ago

Most wholesome thing ever! Best of luck to you and your little one!

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Thank you so much! It’s kinda rough on the little one cause “I just miss you so much when I’m at school dad”, but he’s doing a little better each day.

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u/chriscrossnathaniel 20d ago

That's so adorable ! The first few days will be tough but it will get better for both of you .Your son is a cutiepie. Your decision encourages and inspires him more .Good luck !

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u/Interesting_Winter52 20d ago

my niece was the same way at first, but she grew to love going to school with her friends. you seem like a great dad, i'm sure he'll do excellent :)

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u/QuirkyPie429 20d ago

Where’s your Spider-Man lunchbox??!?

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u/jesseberdinka 20d ago

May your days be filled with knowledge and your lunches filled with fruit gushers and cool ranch Doritos.

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u/AtomicKittenz 20d ago

I see you are also a man of culture

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u/prince_amd 20d ago

are kindergarten kids always that big?

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Now days they are. Damn steroids in chicken! lol

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u/whathaveyoudoneson 20d ago

My 3 year old nefew is this big, however his dad looks like hagrid and they live in Minnesota so he's about average size.

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u/JessSly 20d ago

The kid in the picture is 5

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u/PasiVitunaho 20d ago

I thought someone shrunk you lmao

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Well… kinda

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u/BMoney8600 20d ago

I am so happy for the both of you!

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Thank you! It’s scary for sure but we won’t let that stop us!

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u/cobeast 20d ago edited 20d ago

Hey man. I did something similar. Let me tell you very few people if anybody is gonna care how old you are. You are not an anomaly, there will be plenty of other older people on campus. Bonus was when I dressed a little nicer the kids would hold doors for me, get out of my way without asking, just generally be nicer because they assumed I was a Prof. Good times.

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u/GuardianaDeLaCripta 20d ago

You know who cares how old you are in college? Instructors relieved to be dealing with a grown up.

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u/cobeast 20d ago edited 20d ago

That was my experience. Some folks really get drunk with that though. They overplay life experience in class, act like their age by itself should elevate them somehow. Congrats on staying alive but your story about how you used to work at a gas station 25 years ago isn't pertinent to our current discussion of Heidegger. So don't be that guy either. Just be cool. It's like tripping at a bar. You might feel out of place and like everyone is looking at you but no one is paying attention to you they have their own shit going on, so just chill and enjoy it.

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u/BMoney8600 20d ago

You’re welcome!

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u/Chameleon-Cat 20d ago

Awww 😍 where's daddy's lunch bag?

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

I already ate it… There was fruit snacks in it, what else was I suppose to do?!

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u/LoveThatDanhausen 20d ago

Commend you for bettering yourself brother 👍🏻

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Thank you for that. I hate that it took me so long to do so but as they say,” the best time to start anything is 10 years ago or today”.

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u/LoveThatDanhausen 20d ago

It takes strength and bravery to go outside normal comfort zones and do something to better yourself. Never too old to keep bettering ourselves, it’s gonna make your live even more fulfilling in the long run also! Good luck!

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u/minicpst 20d ago

You know, there are tons of people who went to college right after high school (me included), but the ones who truly appreciate it and do their best are the ones who do it later.

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u/reddituseranyonymous 20d ago

Whatcha studying?

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u/Intelligent_Figure19 20d ago

With that tattoo on your leg, they may have to call your parents.

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u/D7_Solar 20d ago

You dont look as excited lol

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

I was a wee bit nervous for sure, lol

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u/minicpst 20d ago

You got this.

You already made it through 13 years. HE’S the one who should be nervous. He’s got no experience!

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u/Sign-Spiritual 20d ago

Bees knees! Bro you’re doing it! I 34m dad o two am officially inspired!

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u/Akromam90 20d ago

As someone who just graduated with a bachelors in their 30s, you got this!

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u/aspartanaccountant 20d ago

Awesome! What do you plan to study? You got this!

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u/the1andthe_only 20d ago

Good luck to you bro! I am 29 and starting medicine the first September!! :) There is never to late

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u/fosfena_ 20d ago

Hey, good luck for you too! The time is always right for taking these chances 😊

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u/AtomicKittenz 20d ago

I really like that. I’m gonna use it, thanks!

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u/dangerrnoodle 20d ago

That is so awesome. I wish you both a fantastic school year. And if you don’t mind sharing later how you’re managing the big return to education (I’m contemplating it myself), would love to read about it.

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u/Tee077 20d ago

The most awesome thing about this is that you look a bit nervous, but your Son looks like he's happy and ready to go. How CUTE.

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u/Ados_Gamer 20d ago

I didn't realize Matthew Lillard was going back to school! In all seriousness, good luck. I'm 36 and starting back as well. Bit nerve wracking trying to get use to school again lol

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

This is second Matthew Lillard reference I’ve gotten and I gotta say, I’m diggin it. Congrats on starting school man, what are you going for? I’m going in for medical social work. I just completed my first week and my initial nerves are a lot lower than at the start. However, the nerves are building back up after receiving my syllabuses for my classes and seeing the workload. I’m doing what I can tho, I’ve got everyday of this semester scheduled with times blocked out for homework/study. We’ll get through this!

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u/ShadowsoftheRavens 20d ago

Fellow social work student here! I don't know anything about your school but one thing I have come to love about the field is how supportive professors and classmates can be. Social work is really over shadowed so thank you for joining us! Please remember to use your resources and go to family or a therapist if you are struggling or need help. The job gets hard in the masters program, especially if you are doing internships of the field you hope to go in. From my experience, people in this field want you to succeed so please reach out when you need something or have a question! I hope the best for you and your kiddo! You guys can do it!!!

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u/TrueAlchemy 20d ago

Dammit why did I have to scroll so far down for this. This needs to be higher.

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u/MichaelRobertM 20d ago

Congrats to you both, I am sure it's a big step on your life journey. Remember to keep the teachers honest by asking why?

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u/MjolnirPants 20d ago

I did the stay at home dad thing for a while myself. I know how hard it can be. I also went back to school late in life, and that was a piece of cake.

You got this, brother.

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u/Bramm_Bam_Bigalow 20d ago

I'm 34 and just decided to start up classes again after dropping out twice! I believe in us!

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u/Broken_Petite 20d ago

I believe in you too!

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u/fosfena_ 20d ago

Me too!

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u/KadenKraw 20d ago

What will you be studying in college?

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

My 5 year end goal is to obtain my Master’s in social work and become a medical social worker. Thanks for asking!

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u/Dangerous-Parsnip146 20d ago

Little man doesn't get an Einstein shirt?

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

Lol, we tried to get him one at the science center when I got mine but they didn’t have his size 😕

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u/ontour4eternity 20d ago

I graduated at 41 and got so much out of going to school! Hell yes OP!

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

If I don’t muck this up I’ll graduate at 40 with a master’s. Never been so excited to do homework before!

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u/ontour4eternity 20d ago

I got so much more out of school than I would have in my 20s. What are you studying?

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u/Mymomthinksimgreat 20d ago

You got this shit homies!

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u/gagewhite 20d ago

Honestly man, I don’t know why this isn’t normalized more. A lot of young people go into college, don’t know what they want to do, occur a mountain of debt and interest on that debt, a lot don’t consider the application of their degree in the real world. Going into college on your mid 30s, with a child, you probably know what you want out of life, have seen what it’s like without a degree, and have the drive to do well that a lot of young people don’t. Also, it might factually be harder to do post secondary education later in life, but I’m convinced that’s because most young people go into college with confidence because they haven’t been humbled by the real world. You’re right where you need to be my guy, and setting an amazing example for your child. You should be proud of yourself, good luck!

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u/castfam09 20d ago

You both have this 😁

Good luck to you both for a great school year

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u/lol_ur_hella_lost 20d ago

you guys are gonna so totally rock dude!!!!

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u/crypto_nomnom 20d ago

That is both awesome and inspiring. Congrats to you both!

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u/MrsSamT82 20d ago

The first day of school can be scary, but don’t worry. You’ll make new friends, the teacher will be nice, and you’ll learn lots of cool new stuff. And at the end of the day, when you pick your son up from school, you can tell each other all about how the day went over ice cream.

Good luck, Dad. It’s a big day, for both of you! (Sincerely, a SAHM of 13 years who’s working up the courage to go back).

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u/ranggull 20d ago

Never too late friend. I got laid off from my job in an industry I hated when my daughter turned 10 months old. Spent 6 months trying to get hired and got nowhere. Ended up going back to school for a masters degree. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Got to stay at home, take care of my daughter and take classes at night. You got this

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u/hammertime2009 20d ago

That’s about when I went back! Good luck my dude, it’s totally worth it! My boys were my motivation. Easier when you’re older too.

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u/Squttnbear 20d ago

This is fucking incredible. These pictures are going to be on that kid's wall one day.

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u/BustedSaint 20d ago

Hey! My daughter started kindergarten the same day I started my freshman year, 2 weeks ago! I’m 30 lol

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u/Sheba_Baby 20d ago

...and you look like Matthew Lillard! Congrats!

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u/smolboi99 20d ago

little man got the batman shirt AND spidey lunchbox. my guy got some exquisite taste

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u/NorthernStockNoob 20d ago

Sorry dad, but your failure is imminent due to the lack of Batman tshirt. You can address that by tomorrow, right?

Gotta have a superhero on your side my dude.

Seriously though…huge support for heading back to school. Well done.

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u/HerTheHeron 20d ago

Love this and it brightened my day 🌄 what a team!

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u/electr1cbubba 20d ago

You’re smashing it! Keep it up dude

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u/Weejaney88 20d ago

Seize the day.

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u/jgoss24 20d ago

Get it!

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u/arrow1970 20d ago

I wish you both the best of luck!! This is awesome :)

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u/joev420 20d ago

Congrats to the both of you! I wish you all the success and happiness in the world

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u/MutedEquivalent1992 20d ago

Enjoy your new adventure fellas.

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u/MN_LudaCHRIS 20d ago

Congrats on the new milestone and good luck for the future. Curious, what made you want to attend college?

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u/moritura222 20d ago

Look at that cutie pie! Not you, your little dude...hehe. But seriously, that's awesome you're going back to school. Mid-thirties is still plenty young to fit right in. I'm super stoked for both of you!

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u/RapMio 20d ago

I'm starting back at Uni in a week and a half after a decade outta the game. Feeling so nervous about it. This reassures me. Thanks Dad!

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u/Victor0Chavez 20d ago

Hell yeah! Never too old to go to college.

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u/Hiislands40 20d ago

Awesomeness

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u/Creamcheese666 20d ago

Bro that's badass. Congratulations and I wish you both the best!

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u/Tattoomyvagina 20d ago

Hey man me too! 38 and a sophomore. Never too late. Good luck

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u/kendahlj 20d ago

Starting college alongside his son. That little kid is a freakin' genius!!

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u/AngelfishIsAwesome 20d ago

I’m loving all the these adults starting/going back to college right now. Took me 15 years as a single mom to graduate at 42 and it made a huge difference for my family.

Kick ass today and everyday until you graduate!!

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u/ARougeMercenary 20d ago

I’m legit trying not to cry right now.

You look a LOT like my dad, who’s the only one of my parents to finish college. He ended up being the one to raise me as my mom was the one working. I’m a college freshman starting this week, and my mom has been reaccepted into the same university and is trying to get her diploma at the same time. I’ll probably graduate before her, as I have more hours due to dual credit, but it wasn’t until recently I realized how much of a accomplishment that this is. Your son is too young to appreciate it, but I hope when he’s older he can too

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u/effdot 20d ago

You both got this!

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u/inajeep 20d ago

You (assuming the taller one posted this) are missing your Spider-man lunch bag. Mildly disappointed.

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u/thegrumpymechanic 20d ago

It's like that "What's Different?" picture game.

Leg tat, lunch sack, glasses, etc.

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u/Dang_It_All_to_Heck 20d ago

I went back to school at 40; the kids and I would sit at the kitchen table and do homework together. That made all of us better students!

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u/GuinessWaterfall 20d ago

Congrats dude, I went back in my 30s as well. Enjoy the different perspective and opportunities!

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u/No_Bullfrog1966 20d ago

Next… graduation pics!!!!!

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u/ThomasTiedHisTonsils 20d ago

Fresh kicks, Dad

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u/opinionsanda-holes 20d ago

Little man’s shoe game is 🔥

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u/Guillermo-dela-Lucha 20d ago

Are your shoes tied tight? Please don’t get into a fight.

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

They are and I didn’t! Also my lunch was packed up as well, in case you were wondering.

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u/jbjr3 20d ago

Are those prescription sunglasses around your neck to swap out on demand?

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

You know it! My dad game is on point, lol

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u/jbjr3 20d ago

I am a 34 y/o dad just got my first pair of rx sunglasses ordered and this is a great way to keep them from getting lost! Thanks!

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u/Pabloloop 20d ago

Look at you studs

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u/AlternativeSign2 20d ago

Which one are you? Lol.

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u/ruskwan100 20d ago

Aww the kid looks so happy. He’ll have the same expression as dad for day 2. Don’t worry only 14 years (ish) to go

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u/GasPharm 20d ago

Stay at home dad for 3 yrs. Hardest job I ever had. Ya rewarding, sure, of course. Hardest job I ever had

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u/star_road_trucker 20d ago

I also started college mid to late 30s. Hopefully I graduate next year with an electrical engineering degree. YOU GO!

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u/hahahanope46 20d ago

You look like it’s your first day of school

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u/Dwerg23 20d ago

That’s just awesome ! Just a quick question: how old is your son? Or at what age does kindergarten stay in your country? My son starts next week, is tall for his age, but not at all this tall at 2,5 years old …

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u/bewb_wizard 20d ago

Thanks dude! I officially have no more excuses for not finishing my degree! You’re inspiring me!

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

That’s awesome! Thank you so much!

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u/Own_Choice_498 20d ago

I dont know about this Scoob? Wwwhat if the school is hhhaunted!

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u/Boatstin 20d ago

People wear backpacks to college? Awesome!

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u/31spiders 20d ago

As a fellow stay at home dad, allow me to say you don’t get the recognition you deserve. Get it muh man!

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u/ThaCrimsonChinn 20d ago

I appreciate you man, respect.

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u/EERgasm 20d ago

I feel you brother. When my youngest daughter was born I stopped working so my wife could concentrate on her career and daycare for multiple kids was insane. Went back to school and was a stay-at-home dad for 5 years.

3 years later I'm a manager in IT for a large medical corp. It will all work out, big things ahead!

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u/hellbreed 20d ago

I wish I was in a position to be a stay at home dad. I know it’s hard work after hearing what my wife goes through while I’m at my shit job but missing out on almost everything my daughter does has really been depressing me a lot lately.

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u/I_will_fix_this 20d ago

If you don’t mind me asking. Why were you a stay at home dad? How was it? Asking as a new parent myself though not stay at home dad.

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u/BigDoogoo 20d ago

Been a stay at home dad for almost two years now. It’s so rewarding, but thankless and sometimes stigmatized. Glad to see another good one out there, good luck in school!

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u/SmokeGSU 20d ago

If it's any encouragement to you, you might feel overwhelmed and out of place if you're going to a traditional college/uni where most of the students are fresh out of high school or are early 20's (as opposed to a tech school where it's pretty common to have adults of all ages there). I was around 30 when I went back to uni to pursue a degree. It might seem a little weird but most of the classmates aren't going to care what age you are and will treat you just like any other person there!

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u/anditorus 20d ago

You got this!🕺

I have the same shirt, does yours glow in the dark too!?

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u/sporvath 20d ago

My dad finish law school at 45 years old, and he is happier than ever.

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u/HelpfulBearr 20d ago

Well this takes out all my stress from trying to start college as a 21 year old

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u/Gummie32 20d ago

This legit made me smile and tear up. Never end your pursuit of knowledge and I love your shirt too.

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u/noaudioclips 20d ago

Came here to say you look like Matthew Lillard, thankfully that's been covered. Sick leg tat

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u/lomedlock 20d ago

You’ve inspired this internet stranger. I just emailed the college I attended for a few years beginning Fall 2001 to see what I need to complete my degree. I have to do something to better myself, show my kids I can be something on my own, and get out of a marriage I feel trapped in.