Going back to school is cool!
By Liz Biggs | Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Isn’t it crazy that at age 18, high school graduates are expected to know what they want to be when they grow up? Even though their prefrontal cortex, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions like planning, decision-making and impulse control, is generally considered to be fully developed around age 25, college-going teenagers register for first semester classes based on their declared major and critical tracking courses — prerequisites for the upper-level courses they will have to take. If they change their major and don’t graduate on time, they risk losing scholarship money and accruing excess hour surcharges. Is it any wonder that many people graduate with a degree and pursue a career that isn’t a good fit later in life? Or maybe college wasn’t the right path for you at age 18, but now you’re older and wiser and have discovered your passion.
The good news is, it’s never too late to go back to school! Don’t give up on your dream job just because you lack the qualifications. Here in Pensacola, we are lucky to have the University of West Florida. According to Katie Condon, assistant vice president of enrollment affairs, UWF is currently ranked #3 in the State University System for Performance-Based Metrics (tied with FSU!), and #2 in the State University System for getting grads into the workforce or graduate/professional school.
If you are hesitant or intimidated by the thought of continuing your education, Condon offers this advice: “Start small if you need to — maybe try just one class to get your feet wet. And remember, universities have dedicated admissions teams ready to help you every step of the way. They’ll make the process as smooth as possible so you can focus on what really matters: your success!”
Condon said that at UWF, they are not just about traditional students.
“We’re all about meeting learners where they are. In fact, a big part of our community includes non-traditional learners, such as military veterans, active-duty service members and adults juggling work, life and school. UWF understands our non-traditional students face challenges that your typical college freshman might not, and we’re here to help! We prioritize financial aid transparency and support, working diligently to help students fully understand their financial aid packages and recognize the exceptional value of a UWF education,” Condon added.
CORTNEY’S STORY
Cortney Campus earned her AA and cosmetology degrees prior to moving to Pensacola from the Pacific Northwest/Seattle area in 2001.
“I was paying my own way through college, and I saw the beauty industry as potential for a nice stable income with relatively short certification period which would allow me to work my way through my degree,” she said.
As a stylist at 10th Avenue Hair Designs, due to her talent and creativity, she was booked solid.
“I honestly wasn’t expecting to become so popular as a hairstylist here so quickly, and I certainly wasn’t planning to run my own business, but Dale and Sheila Moore, the owners at 10th Avenue, had faith in me and mentored me into small business ownership,” Campus said. “As I got busier, I kept taking clients over going to class and finally decided to leave college to build and run my small business. At that time, I rationalized that I was making more money than many of my girlfriends with master’s degrees, so I decided I would go back later.”
After seven years at 10th Avenue Hair Designs, Campus opened her own salon, Style Downtown, in 2008.
“I saw a need for a cool, vibrant salon in downtown proper, where people could find consistency in education and quality as the mission and standard of the salon. Style Downtown was a great salon for many stylists to get their start, and I’m very proud to have been one of the foundational bricks that helped build our dynamic downtown culture — it’s been really amazing to watch over the past 18 years we were open on Palafox.”
However, for many people, especially small business owners, the pandemic caused major life shifts. Campus downsized in 2020 and decided to add school to her schedule.
“As my daughter became more independent, I found myself home a lot. I was just ready for a big change, something completely new, especially after all the COVID isolation. Going back to school has been so fulfilling thus far; I love UWF,” she said.
Fast forward to 2025 when the building they leased for Style Downtown on Palafox finally sold after all those years, and Campus was faced with committing to a new owner and a new five-year lease.
“I was at a crossroads — the energy had shifted; my priorities had changed. Now that I’m a single mom and a full-time student, I decided to turn the page on Style Downtown and start writing the new chapters. I felt thrilled at the prospect of change, and I starting scouting out alternative salon spaces right away,” Campus said.
Campus asked her hairstylist and former startup competitor, Hurst Butts, owner of Volume One Salon, if he had any rental opportunities, and he introduced her to The Studios.
“The space is beautiful, the amenities are luxurious, and the culture is energizing,” she said.
Her clients are thrilled with her new location downtown.
At UWF, Campus is seeking a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She has always been extremely creative and has loved art.
“I’m also a therapist and spiritual guide for my clients, so if I’m able to tie art to somehow helping others break down their own barriers, that would be very satisfying for me,” she said. “The learning curve for my online classes has been pretty tricky; we barely had the internet the last time I was in college and certainly didn’t have AI. I mostly have to do my regular life during the week including work, school, parenting and socializing, and then I pretty much spend the weekends doing my online class work.”
When asked what it’s like to be a college student later in life, Campus said it’s much easier this time around.
“I have so much more self-confidence with minimal second guessing myself. I was always too shy to ask questions as a youth and always wanted to blend in at any cost … this time around I’m utilizing every resource, and I’m not afraid to stand out anymore, which is perfect for the art world,” she said. “It’s not exhausting for me, it’s so exhilarating! I don’t mind the drive, I don’t mind the parking, I love my classes, the people, the school. I have my little work groups, it’s very social and productive. My art path is a spiritual journey, not a business model. I have no doubt I will be able to monetize my work as a professional artist in some fashion but I also have visions of helping to create a super dynamic art community and gallery scene downtown.”
For anyone feeling stuck, seeking a career change, or just wanting to further their education, hopefully Cortney’s story will be an inspiration. Her advice to anyone dreaming of a life pivot or a career change is to do what is best for your life — don’t let your age or your past get in the way of your future.
So, what are you waiting for? Going back to school is cool. And if you happen to be lucky enough to be 60-plus, UWF offers Leisure Learning and a tuition waver. Go ahead and take that class you’ve always wanted to take.
Tips for going back to school
From Katie Condon, assistant vice president of enrollment affairs, University of West Florida
You can do it! Start small if you need to. Maybe try just one class to get your feet wet. And remember, universities have dedicated admissions teams ready to help you every step of the way. They’ll make the process as smooth as possible so you can focus on what really matters: your success!
Track down those transcripts. You’ll need your college and high school records (if applicable), so start gathering them early. Visit the school’s website to see exactly how to request them. trust me, it’ll save time later!
Do some program homework. Browse through college websites to find out what programs and certificates they offer. Make sure they have what you’re looking for, whether it’s a degree or just the right credentials to level up your skills.
Reach out and connect. When you’re ready to apply, give the admissions office a call or send an email to make an appointment. They’re there to help and can walk you through the process step by step.
UWF offers flexible degrees and professional certificates at an in-state tuition rate that hasn’t budged in over a decade. We’re dedicated to making education accessible and affordable. UWF has been diligent about increasing scholarships and strategically optimizing financial aid to reach as many students as possible. As a result, UWF’s average net tuition after aid for Florida residents has decreased by 45% over the past five years. That’s not just good news. it’s great ROI.
There is a tuition waiver for students not seeking a degree (audit the class, no grade) and are 60 years old or older. Find out more at uwf.edu/offices/registrar/tuition--fees/senior-citizen-tuition-waiver/.
UWF’s Leisure Learning is also something for the local community. lots of neat programs. Students 60-plus can use the waiver for courses. Visit uwf.edu/continuinged/programs/leisure-learning/.
