"Now as I was young and easy under the apple boughs", (Dylan Thomas), I did not pursue higher education. Instead, I "tuned in, turned on and dropped out", (Timothy Leary). From Dylan to Timothy.I was once enrolled at the University of Illinois Circle Campus in Chicago. Never went to a class, not one. I think I was genuinely terrified by the prospect of self-incentive and self-discipline. I was also enamored of my new right not do what I was told. For years I could not visit a college campus without getting the willies. Then I had six kids and had neither the time nor the desire to be a student. They became students, and they went to college, and I went along by proxy. It was only this year at age 61 that I felt grown-up and responsible enough to go back to school. Besides, I am laid off, on unemployment in the middle of a recession, and essentially unemployable because of advanced age and lack professional accreditation. Not to mention I no longer have to pay tuition, a definite perk for getting old. I am attending a local community college and working towards a certificate in the medical field. I consider school my work, and the place I am hiding out until the economy improves or Social Security kicks in, whichever comes first. I like this job. It is challenging, diverse, and I am rewarded with a clear, non-illusive good grade when I do well instead of vagaries or disregard. In my entire working career, I have never experienced such encouragement or approbation. My hope is that a secondary education will give me a measure of control and a few choices over future employment; better yet, that I may stay here forever, finances permitting (probably not).