It’s Never Too Late: My Journey Back to School at Ivy Tech

My name is Angelica Avila, and this is my third year at Ivy Tech. After a year and a half of essays, quizzes, assignments, and finals, I received my certificate for professional communication in December—a milestone I never thought I’d achieve. 

Going back to school at 24 was intimidating, especially after seeing my high school classmates graduate years earlier. It was terrifying to me at first. But when I realized it wasn’t too late for me to pursue a higher education, I enjoyed the challenge of pushing myself to do the one thing I never imagined I could succeed at–being a student. 

When I graduated high school in 2017, I took what I thought would be a one-year gap before starting college. But one year turned into six, and by the time I decided to go back to school, I felt like I was far behind. Seeing my former classmates graduate in 2021 and 2022 was both inspiring and discouraging. I was happy for them, but I couldn’t help but think, “That could have been me.”

It wasn’t until I sat down and reflected on my life that I realized I was only 24. I still had time to make a change. I thought about my older sister, who attended Ivy Tech in her mid-twenties and earned her associate degree in early childhood education in 2020. My brother, who lives in Arkansas, went back to school in 2023 to become an electrician in his 30s. Their stories gave me comfort and the courage to believe I could do it, too. It was like a domino effect—once I saw others taking that step, I knew I could as well.

In June 2023, I filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) just before the deadline. Soon after, I attended an on-campus event at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, where faculty members helped me register for my fall classes. School started in August, and I barely had time to mentally prepare. I was anxious and full of doubt. My high school experience hadn’t been great—my GPA was low, and I didn’t enjoy it much. I worried that if I didn’t do well back then, how could I succeed in college? 

But I decided to start small, with just one class. I had no idea how to write an essay or format assignments. It felt like I was starting over from scratch. But being in class with other adult students—ranging from their 20s to 50s and beyond—made me realize we were all there for the same reason: to better our futures. The students are diverse, just like you and me, all seeking new opportunities to pursue their education. That’s the great thing about Ivy Tech. The College provides an environment that challenges you while giving you the freedom to make the journey your own. 

Eight weeks later, I submitted my last assignment for that first class. As I stared at my laptop screen, I thought to myself, "I did it. This is me doing it." 

Despite the worry and restlessness I felt two months earlier, I succeeded because I tried. I adjusted to a new routine, held myself accountable, and put in my best effort. It felt rewarding every time I received positive feedback from my professors or saw a 100% on an assignment I worked hard on. Over time, I realized I wasn’t the same person I was at 18. I had unlearned old habits and rewired my thought process about what school could be.

After earning my certificate in professional communication, I decided to continue my education and major in liberal arts. My goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in English, and Ivy Tech’s partnerships with four-year universities will help me transfer and continue my journey. Over the past two years, I’ve gone from being unsure about my decision to go back to school to developing a love for learning.

If you’re thinking about going back to school but feel unsure, take it from me: it’s never too late to start. Ivy Tech gave me the tools and confidence to succeed, and it can do the same for you.

Angelica Avila poses with her professional communication certificate from Ivy Tech Community College.

Student Voices

At Ivy Tech, every student has a unique journey—a story of challenges, growth, and triumph. Student Voices is a series dedicated to showcasing these stories, written by students, for students. Here, you’ll find firsthand accounts of what it’s like to navigate the path to education, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals at Ivy Tech Indianapolis.

Whether it’s returning to school after years away, balancing work and family with classes, or discovering a passion for learning, these stories remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles and successes. Through Student Voices, we celebrate the diversity, resilience, and determination of our Ivy Tech community.

If you have a story to share or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Your voice matters, and it could inspire someone to take their next big step. Please fill out this form to share your story.