In this month’s Class in Session podcast, we’re exploring the importance of lifelong learning and how universities can create accessible and inclusive environments for students of all ages. Whether you're fresh out of school or returning to education later in life, learning never truly stops, and Arden University makes it possible for anyone to pursue their academic goals at any stage of life.
To watch the podcast episode in full, please visit one of the following Arden University channels:
Arden University Apple podcasts
You can read some of the podcast highlights below.
Lifelong learning: It’s never too late to start
Presenter, Afua Hagan: Today, we’re going to take a closer look at lifelong learning. How can we adopt this mindset, and how do universities like Arden support that journey? Gail, let’s start with you.
Gail Steptoe-Warren, Head of School of Psychology, Arden University: Lifelong learning is crucial, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Education doesn’t stop when you finish school or university. It's about constantly developing and pushing yourself. For me, it's about having a growth mindset, which Carol Dweck talks about—a belief that you can always grow and improve, no matter your age. That mindset is key to staying resilient and adaptable in both your personal and professional life.
Catherine Hitch, Arden University Lecturer, Psychology: I completely agree. Lifelong learning isn’t just about formal education; it’s about keeping an open mind and seizing opportunities to learn from everything around you. The workplace, interactions with people, and even failures—these are all learning experiences. It’s about being curious and never assuming you’ve learned all you need to know. At Arden, we see people come back to education later in life because they have that hunger to keep learning and developing.
Afua: Let’s talk about accessibility in higher education. Jeanne, how does Arden help make education more inclusive for students of all ages and backgrounds?
Jeanne Volschenk, Arden University student: Arden is unique in that it really caters to people who need flexibility, whether that’s because of work, family commitments, or other responsibilities. The fact that we offer both online and face-to-face learning options is a huge advantage. It’s not just about fitting education into your life, but also about creating an environment where students of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable and valued. We have students from all over the world, all different walks of life, and that diversity is really what makes our learning environment special.
Catherine Hitch: Exactly. One thing I love about Arden is that you don’t need to follow a traditional path to succeed. We have students who are parents, full-time workers, and even retirees. Some come to upskill, while others are starting completely new careers. The point is, there’s no ‘one way’ to do university anymore.
Gail Steptoe-Warren: I think what’s also important is the support Arden provides for students who might not have had the easiest path into education. Many of our students, like me, didn’t do well at school, but that doesn’t mean they can’t excel now. Universities should be there to nurture and support people, not just academically but also emotionally.
Finding the right time for education
Afua: For those considering going back to university later in life, how do they know if it’s the right time?
Catherine Hitch: Honestly, there’s no "right" time, and that’s the beauty of it. I didn’t go to university until my mid-30s, and I’ve never looked back. A lot of people think they missed their chance if they didn’t go straight after school, but that’s simply not true. Education is there whenever you’re ready for it. For me, it was about feeling like I could do more and wanting to challenge myself.
Jeanne Volschenk: For me, it was a similar story. I didn’t go to university straight after school. I wanted to enter the workforce, and it wasn’t until years later, when I was helping my daughter look into universities, that I thought, "I can do this too." I think it’s important to show people, especially our kids, that learning never stops. And you can always go back, whether it’s for personal growth or professional development.
Gail Steptoe-Warren: Absolutely. There’s no set age for when you should go to university. It’s about when you’re ready and when you’ve found something you’re passionate about. For me, I went later because I needed time to figure out what I really wanted to do, and that’s okay. The support structure at Arden helps with that too. Whether you're balancing a job, family, or other commitments, the flexibility is there to make it possible.
Overcoming the fear of university life
Afua: Another common concern, especially for mature students, is the fear of not fitting in with younger students. How can we overcome this?
Catherine Hitch: It’s understandable, but honestly, that fear goes away pretty quickly. When you walk into a classroom, especially at Arden, you see such a mix of ages. It’s not like a traditional university where everyone is 18 or 19. Here, you’re just as likely to sit next to someone your age, or someone much older. I think that diversity enriches the learning experience for everyone.
Jeanne Volschenk: Definitely. The environment at Arden feels more like a professional workspace than a typical university, and that helps. You don’t feel like an outsider because everyone is there for the same reason—to learn and to grow. I found that I wasn’t just learning from my lecturers, but also from my classmates, who all brought different experiences to the table.
Gail Steptoe-Warren: And it’s also about confidence. Sometimes, that inner voice tells you that you don’t belong, or that you’re not good enough, but that’s just the inner critic. The truth is, most students, regardless of their age, feel the same way when they start. We’re all in the same boat, and universities like Arden are there to help you build that confidence.
It’s now more common than ever for people to start studying a degree later in life, and Arden University is here to support and welcome students of any age. For more insights and detailed discussions, listen to the full episode on Arden University’s Apple, Spotify, or YouTube channel.
To browse Arden University courses and find the degree that’s right for your career goals, please visit our courses page.
