DEAR HARRIETTE: I made the decision to go back to college to get my degree, and I am happy to inform you that I graduated last week. I should have had a celebration for this accomplishment, but I didn't because I am in my 50s and I should have gotten my degree 30 years ago. I gave my graduation ceremony tickets away because I was embarrassed to invite my friends and family to celebrate this special occasion. I plan to keep this accomplishment a secret and not tell my family because I do not want to make a big deal out of it. Do you think I am being selfish for not including my family in my journey? -- Class of 2015, West Orange, New Jersey
DEAR CLASS OF 2015: Congratulations on your huge accomplishment! You deserve to be celebrated by all of your loved ones at this pivotal moment. Think back on all of the time and effort it has taken for you to get to this point. This may help you to shrug off the shame you feel for not getting your degree in the traditional time period.
It is not so much selfish as it is unfounded for you to hide this incredible achievement from your family. Tell them! Your success will likely inspire someone else to go for it, even if he or she is not "young." It is never too late to improve yourself. You are living proof of that!