5-14-2024 9:45am

College Over 60

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - COLLEGE OVER 60

Have you thought about going back to school? There's a trend now of people over 60 going back to college, some with their adult children. It's never too late to begin your college journey, and it's a decision worthy of praise.

As an older student, earning a degree can help you transition to a new career, advance in your current job, give you a renewed sense of purpose, or it can even broaden your perspectives about the world around us. A commitment to lifelong learning can have enormous benefits and keep your brain sharp. The research is clear; successful retirements have healthy doses of both leisure and purpose. We must stay engaged well into retirement. That's why I went back to college.

When I moved back to Long Island from New York City in 2012, I had 70 credits under my belt from CUNY Hunter College. I was a Film and Media Studies major there through most of the 90's. I went part-time at night while working full-time during the day. I enrolled at FSC in 2020 during the COVID lockdown.

I'm a two-time graduate of Farmingdale State College. I first graduated in 1978 with an Associate's Degree. My first job was with the renowned graphic design firm, Danne & Blackburn. I got this prestigious position from a job fair at FSC and began working in June of the same year in New York City. I eventually moved in a few years later.

Bruce Blackburn designed the 1976 bicentennial star to honor our country's 200th anniversary. That's the same year I graduated high school. Together, Danne & Blackburn redesigned the NASA logo, affectionately called the Worm. Bruce Blackburn passed away a few years ago. Richard Danne continues to lecture on the now infamous worm logo that has a cult following. I see it everywhere on T-shirts, hats, and other fashionable clothing.

College kid in a NASA T-Shirt

Bruce Blackburn and Richard Danne in their office in New York City in the mid 70's

Here's Richard Danne, on the left, outside NASA's Earth Information Center in Washington, D.C.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, I decided to go back to college to finally get my Bachelor's Degree. I knew if I was going to work from home, I could make some good use of the extra time I'd have since I wouldn't be commuting. So, I transferred by credits from Hunter to FSC and embarked on studying Professional Communications online. This was such a great opportunity. I graduate on May 16, 2024. Thank you to my advisor, Dr. Charles Adair, without whom I could not have made this dream come true. I have been very active on the campus and will remain loyal to the alumni association.

I started my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old. I'm now 66. I began by vlogging once a week and then eventually once a month. In these vlogs, I talk about pursuing dreams, setting goals, general observations, places I've been to, ideas I have, and how to be happier - mind, body, and soul. I record my vlog on the first Monday of each month and upload it to my social media platforms as well as my YouTube Channel and Patreon account. It is all to inspire and motivate women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. The links to these are listed below for your reference. Social media is where it's at.

I also write this weekly newsletter. If you're a subscriber, then you're familiar with my format. My articles feature similar topics as my vlog as they work in conjunction with each other. I enjoy sharing my ideas with my audience as we grow into older age together. Check out some of my other articles by scrolling, just like you do on Facebook.

To me, turning 60 was a chance to reevaluate my life and to examine what I wanted to change and how I wanted to live. I look at life as a canvas. We can create the life we want, and we can change it when we no longer find it fulfilling. That is the gift of being human. What an honor and a privilege.

If you're thinking about going back to college, talk to me. I can help you navigate this interesting and worthwhile path. You'll need some help. Don't be afraid to take the first step. Andiamo! Let's go!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, it's never too late to get a college degree. If I can do it, so can you.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK -FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE

The State University of New York at Farmingdale, established in 1912, originally began as the New York State School of Agriculture on Long Island. The proposal for the college's founding was put forth by State Assemblyman, John Lupton, in 1909. Currently, Lupton Hall, which accommodates the departments of Chemistry and Physics, as well as the School of Engineering Technology, is named in his honor. There are many beautiful buildings that make up this campus that is strategically located on 380 acres and is easily accessible from most towns on Long Island.

The college has had many incarnations. It changes just like we do:

New York State School of Agriculture on Long Island (1912–1920)
New York State School of Applied Agriculture on Long Island (1920–1924)
State Institute of Applied Agriculture (1924–1939)
State Institute of Agriculture (1939–1946)
Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute (1946–1953)
SUNY Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute at Farmingdale (1953–1966)
Agricultural and Technical College at Farmingdale (1966–1987)
SUNY College of Technology at Farmingdale (1987–1993)

The school was named Farmingdale State College in 1993 and currently holds this title. It continues to be a diversified, multi-ethnic college that serves people from many nations around the world. You can live on campus, commute, or study online. FSC's mascot is the Ram, and their motto is "Let Each Become All One Is Capable of Being." FSC has been very good to me. It is an excellent place to study, learn, and grow.

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Whoever endeavors to go back to college, may they enjoy their studies, grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually, and learn something new and interesting that takes them further towards their dreams. Amen.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What would you study if you went back to college?

Please put you answer in the Reply bubble below next to the heart. I'd love to hear from you.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - SCHOOL'S OUT by ALICE COOPER

LYRICS

Well, we got no choice
All the girls and boys
Makin' all that noise
'Cause they found new toys
Well, we can't salute ya can't find a flag
If that don't suit ya that's a drag
School's out for summer
School's out forever
School's been blown to pieces
No more pencils, no more books
No more teacher's dirty looks yeah!
Well, we got no class
And we got no principals
And we got no innocence
We can't even think of a word that rhymes
School's out for summer
School's out forever
My school's been blown to pieces
No more pencils, no more books
No more teacher's dirty looks
Out for summer
Out 'til fall
We might not come back at all
School's out forever
School's out for summer
School's out with fever
School's out completely

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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

My brand, Skylark Live, was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I’m in the process of formulating in-person presentations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be conducted in someone’s home, local library, or senior center.

Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

WHERE TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT ME ON PATREON AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and to expand my brand. Just click the link below: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Social Media - You can follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support. Andiamo! Let's Go!