At 40, she went back to college. What she found surprised her.

After nearly two decades away from the classroom, Jacquelynne Sutton came to Normandale Community College and discovered a path forward in community health, and herself.

At 40, Jacquelynne wasn’t planning to go back to school. “I woke up one day and thought, I have to do something,” she says. “I want to go back.” It had been nearly 20 years since she last sat in a classroom. Like many adults considering returning to college, the doubts came quickly.

Am I going to be the oldest person there? Will I belong? Can I keep up?

Those questions stop a lot of people before they begin. Across the country, more than 42 million Americans have some college credit but no degree. For many, the challenge isn’t ability; it’s finding a place where resuming their education actually feels possible.

For Sutton, that place was Normandale Community College.

Finding a Way Back

Her path to Normandale started with a connection through Project for Pride in Living, which introduced her to Normandale’s Community Health Worker (CHW) certificate program.

“I was already good at connecting people with resources and helping others,” she says. “When I saw the program at Normandale, I thought, this is something I could really do.”

Still, walking into that first class wasn’t easy. The questions lingered about her age, her place, and whether she’d feel out of sync after so much time away. Those questions didn’t last long.

“At Normandale, I didn’t feel out of place at all,” she says. “There were people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. No one was judging you.”

That sense of belonging, something Normandale intentionally builds into its classrooms, changed everything. What started as a tentative step became something she could fully commit to. It also reinforced a powerful realization: it’s never too late to start something new.

Removing the Roadblocks

For many returning students, the biggest barriers aren’t academic; they’re practical. Can I afford it? How would I fit this into my life? Would I have to start over? At Normandale, Sutton found those questions met with real solutions.

Through a partnership connected to her program, her tuition was covered, removing one of the biggest obstacles adult learners face. That allowed her to focus entirely on learning, rather than constantly weighing tradeoffs.

“I loved the professors at Normandale, every single one of them,” she says. “They all had different teaching styles, but they were incredible.” Just as important was the mentorship that continued even after the program ended, offering her steady support as she figured out her next step.

At Normandale, many programs are designed specifically for adult learners, like shorter-term classes, hybrid and online options, and support systems that reflect the realities of balancing school with work and family.

There’s also a growing focus on recognizing what students already bring. Through Credit for Prior Learning, students can apply past coursework, job experience, and certifications toward a credential, helping many avoid starting over and continuing to move forward.

A New Direction

Soon after finishing her certificate, and encouraged by a classmate she met at Normandale, she secured a role at Fairview Hospital as a community health worker. Now, she helps patients navigate complex systems, connect to resources, and stay on track with their care.

“I love what I do,” she says. “It feels good to go to work every day. You know you’re making a difference.”

Her Normandale experience continues to show up in her work. Several of her former classmates now work alongside her, reflecting how closely the college’s programs connect to real workforce needs across the Twin Cities.

Finishing Something That Still Matters

Sutton’s journey reflects what many returning students discover: they are often closer to their goals than they think and more prepared than they realize. Coming back becomes less about starting over, and more about finishing something that still matters. For those considering a return, Sutton’s advice is simple: “You just have to try,” she says. “You never know where it will take you, or who you’ll meet along the way.”

Taking the First Step

At Normandale, that first step is designed to feel manageable. Many prospective students begin with a one-on-one conversation, meeting with an advisor who can review past credits, talk through career goals, and outline what a path forward could look like based on their life and schedule.

Those conversations are available year-round, both in person and online. For those who prefer to explore in a broader way, Normandale also offers open house events in June, October and April where visitors can meet faculty, connect with advisors, and get a feel for the campus community.

Whether it starts with a conversation or a visit to campus, that first step can turn a long-held idea into something real. If you are interested in what your next first step could be, Normandale is here for you. Learn more at www.normandale.edu/return.