To the Editor:

“A Midlife Crisis Doesn’t Have to Be One,” by Kate Stone Lombardi (Generations column, regional sections, April 13), really resonated.

Like Ms. Lombardi’s husband, I have gone back to school to pursue my studies in science. It’s always been my true love. In 1976, I got my degree in business with an accounting major, an expediency so that I could start a professional career as a business and systems project manager. In doing so, I put aside my love of science, specifically physics and electronics. I succeeded in my career.

In 2005, I was laid off and retired. I went through the emotional transition and explored a few different activities. Science lectures for retired people weren’t enough, but they got me headed in the right direction.

In late 2007, I registered at the local college and started my first year of biology—and loved it. It has invigorated me. When I read about the efforts of Ms. Lombardi’s husband to graduate from a meteorology program after a career as a chief financial officer, I understood.

My focus has sharpened. I’ve already registered for algebra and precalculus this summer, and for more calculus and chemistry next fall. I’m working on the 30 to 40 credits of science I’ll need to enter graduate school at Rutgers in a couple of years. A graduate degree in biology or physics is in the future.

So many things promote life, but pursuing knowledge and your dreams cannot be surpassed for rich rewards.

Herb Hirsch
Kendall Park, N.J., April 15, 2008

Note from KBJ: Good for you, Herb.