A second chance at first dreams: Returning to the classroom at an older age

An image of an elderly man seated among hundreds of teenagers in an exam hall went viral on social media a couple of years ago. 

It was Belayet Sheikh, a 55-year-old man from Gazipur. Some praised his courage, while the unusual nature of his endeavour simply struck others.

"I did not go there for attention," he said. "I went because my desire to study never faded. My dream had waited long enough."

Belayet had to pause his education in 1983, just before his SSC examinations, due to his father's illness and the financial strain on his family. Decades passed. He became a father of three, shouldered his responsibilities, and even arranged the marriage of his daughter while she was still a university student.

But the desire to learn never left him. In 2017, at age 50, he returned to class nine. Two years later, he passed the Dakhil (equivalent to SSC) examination. He completed his HSC in 2021. In that same year, his son completed his SSC.

After getting rejected from several public universities, he was finally accepted into the Department of Journalism, Communication, and Media Studies at the State University of Bangladesh. For Belayet, it was a dream come true.

While his story is full of resilience, Belayet is not alone. Across Bangladesh, a small but growing number of individuals are returning to university later in life, motivated by unfulfilled dreams, interrupted journeys, or the hope of career change.

Unlike Belayet, Sabyasachi's return to education has not been met with applause. A second-year undergraduate student at the Department of English, Jahangirnagar University, Sabyasachi said his presence on campus is sometimes met with awkward glances and isolation.

"Many of my classmates do not talk to me much," he said. "Some feel awkward that someone older is studying alongside them. I have even overheard people making fun of me."

Sabyasachi was pursuing his studies at a university in the UK when tragedy struck— both of his parents passed away, forcing him to return home and abruptly end his academic journey.

Back in Bangladesh, he spent the next few months trying to rebuild his life. To support himself, he began teaching at local coaching centres and, in his spare time, immersed himself in books on subjects he was deeply passionate about.

Yet, the longing to learn in a structured academic environment never left him.

Determined to start anew, he enrolled in school once again, moved on to college, and eventually found his place at Jahangirnagar University— his new academic home.

"I did not know how the teachers would treat me or how I would adapt to a campus dominated by young students. But my passion for literature gave me strength," he said.

While some teachers have been encouraging, he was not much welcomed by most, as he said.

Despite the struggle, he remains committed. "I came here to study, not to make friends. If I can finish my degree and perhaps go on to teach again, it will all be worth it."

A second chance

Education is often thought of as a linear journey, where one proceeds from school to university, then into the workforce. But life rarely follows a neat path.

In recent years, the idea of lifelong learning has gained traction globally. People are returning to the classroom at different stages of life— for personal growth, career shifts, or simply to pursue long-held dreams.

In Bangladesh, however, late-age students in undergraduate programmes are still unusual. There are no formal statistics available, but anecdotal evidence suggests that while rare, they are slowly increasing in number.

For those like Belayet and Sabyasachi, the path is not always smooth. Balancing family life, financial pressures, and academic demands is no small feat. Yet they press on, bringing with them a level of maturity, discipline, and perspective that many of their younger peers are yet to develop.

Belayet said he is generally well-accepted in his new academic environment.

"My teachers are kind. Many of my classmates treat me like an elder brother, but I have told them to treat me just like another classmate of theirs," he said. "It feels good to be learning alongside young people. I have become young again in spirit."

Studying in Dhaka while managing a job and family back in Gazipur is a real challenge for Belayet— but he takes pride in juggling it all like a pro.

For Sabyasachi, the experience is more emotionally complex. He often feels unwelcome among his teachers and classmates, which can be frustrating. "I immerse myself in the depths of literature," he said. "I draw the essence from it, and that gives me joy— even when I do not feel accepted."

"I may not be one of them," he said, "But I belong here in my own way."

Redefining success

In a society that often ties education to age and employment, stories like these challenge existing norms. They prompt a larger question: why do we think it is too late to return to the classroom?

Both Belayet and Sabyasachi are clear about one thing— their academic journey is just beginning, and they are not late— just in their own right time.

Despite all the struggles, the passion to land on their dreams are sky high.

"I want to pursue my higher studies in a foreign university," Belayet said. "And then work for a prominent media house as a journalist."

Sabyasachi has humbler aims. "I want to indulge myself in literature— Rabindra, Nazrul, Shakespeare, and other greats."

For those who dream of returning to education later in life, Belayet and Sabyasachi's journeys offer both inspiration and a roadmap. The first step is to shed the fear of judgment.

"Many people discouraged me when I got back to my studies again, even the Dhaka University authority tried to discourage me," said Belayet.

As Belayet's story suggests, if you have the passion and integrity, the side-talk will not eventually matter. Many universities, especially private ones, are more flexible than assumed. Building a support system, like his family members, friends, or even like-minded peers online, can help stay motivated during tough times.

Time management and mindset matter just as much as academics. "Juggling family responsibilities, work, and education is difficult, but not impossible. I myself maintain a strict schedule. Whether it is for personal fulfilment or unfinished dreams, your journey is valid— and it is never too late to start it over again," he concluded.