59. Why Going Back to School at 51 Was Perfect Timing: Nancy Gillespie

Nancy Gillespie has been a high school counselor for 14 years. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from The Ohio State University and has created an ASCA (American School Counseling Association) model program, all while working full time. Her research interests include adolescent mental health and wellness, suicide prevention in schools, the effects of technology on the adolescent brain, and the COVID disruptions to k-12 education. Nancy has been married to her college sweetheart for 31 years. Together, they have two adult children. She's embracing the "Empty Nest" phase of life and enjoys long walks, cooking with her husband, and being immersed in literature and research as she fully re-engages in student life. Additionally, Nancy enjoys presenting at conferences nationwide as a voice for the school counseling profession and an advocate for adolescent mental health.  In this episode, Nada sits down with her younger sister to discuss her decision to return to school at 51. Nancy shares the challenges and benefits of returning to campus life and how her age does and doesn't impact her and those around her. Her real-world experience in counseling enabled her to connect uniquely across generations and become an asset to classmates and professors. Motivated by the increasing challenges her students face, Nancy knew it was time to become a student herself to better serve her k-12 graders. While juggling work and school requires hours of sacrifice and dedication, saying yes to this new chapter was easy as Nancy found herself in her element.  Nancy recommends adding Hurt 2.0 by Chap Clark to your bookshelf. Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram--that's where we hang out the most and connect with our community. And please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations are inspiring and equipping you to consider what’s now and what’s next.