Crippling self doubt! (aka starting college at 40!)

[Merlin]

@Merlin, please accept my deepest apologies.  I definitely misinterpreted your post.  Based on your previous post, I should have known your intentions were not degrading.

No worries. I know I can sometimes come across as authoritative when responding, as can some of the other regular posters, but it isn't intentional. We're all volunteering our time here to try and help our fellow degree seekers, so I usually try not to degrade other people's perspectives. I will point out where I see the opportunity to avoid making a mistake (particularly if it will add time or cost to someone who reads the forum later), but I try not to be mean about it. That said, I know I can be (and often am) wrong, so I'm also fine with people calling me out on it.

[...]
Who knew school would be so fun! ?

I was surprised to discover this myself. It took me a while to get into the groove of things, but once I did, I really started to enjoy the process, and now that I'm done, I'm missing it! This is also why I've decided to continue my education. I have plans for at least one master's degree, perhaps more. I might even pursue a doctorate eventually–assuming I find a program I'm excited about and I can get someone else to pay for it.