A degree 36 years later: ‘It’s never too late to study’
Alumnus interview
Theresa Bell (54) from the USA had to give up her studies 34 years ago. She graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture this year. ‘I can’t believe I’ve achieved what I’d wanted for so long after all those years.’
Theresa Bell grew up in Houston with her five siblings. Her father looked after them and their sick mother, and impressed on his children that sport and education were essential tools for overcoming adversity. ‘He knew that those two things would be crucial in helping us deal with the challenges we all face at some point in our lives.’
No financial support
She had to learn this lesson early when her father died suddenly while she was still at high school. Her future plans were thrown up in the air, and she had to figure out what to do on her own. She decided to study pre-law, a programme that grants access to law school. ‘I did that for three semesters before I had to stop because of lack of funding. Here in the Netherlands you get assistance with your studies, but in the US very few people do.’
Move to the Netherlands
Rather than dwell on her misfortune, she got on with life and found a sense of fulfilment in administrative work. ‘Before I knew it, it was dark outside and time to go home.’ Alongside her job and voluntary work, she continued her studies, even after the birth of her son, taking a part-time Interdisciplinary Studies course at a college similar to a university of applied sciences here.
Then, 12 years ago, her husband got a job in the Netherlands and the family moved here. Bell was unable to complete her course. ‘I wondered whether I’d be able to complete my degree online. But that wasn’t for me, so I started looking at how I could do a bachelor’s here, even though it meant starting over.’
Among young people
This is how she found herself starting a Bachelor’s in Urban Studies at Campus The Hague in 2021, followed by a Master’s in Arts and Culture. ‘I’ve always loved living in a city, and I wanted to understand it more because there are so many challenges to life in a city.’
As a 50-year-old among the 18-year-olds (younger than her son), it wasn’t always easy. Some were reluctant to work with her on group assignments. ‘But the degrees were really interesting, the lecturers helpful and I liked helping other students with Microsoft Office and Brightspace, for example. I had years of experience of those.’ She also joined a buddy programme to support new students.
Mental health interventions
Her master’s thesis was on mental health interventions, a topic Bell wants to pursue now she has graduated. ‘I want to use my life experience and the academic skills I’ve acquired to help others. With so much happening in the world, mental health is more important than ever.’
She’s currently considering her options. One is to work at a museum like the Van Gogh Museum or the Museum of the Mind, both of which focus on mental health in their exhibitions.
Never too late to start a degree
Bell can hardly believe she now has a degree. She hopes her story will inspire others to start studying at a later age. ‘People might think they’re too old and it’s a waste of time, but it’s not. If it’s something you really want to do, you should never think it’s too late. I learned so much in my studies that will help me for the rest of my life.’