How This Man’s “Post-Retirement” Degrees Keep Him Young, Vibrant And Connected

Last in the series: Mid-Career and Beyond–Transforming Personal and Professional Life Through Education

When Jip Woudstra went back to school to earn his second master’s degree, he wasn’t concerned about furthering his career. Officially retired since 2006, he was following a compelling desire to do more for others. Inspired by his autistic grandson, now 17 and a junior in high school, Woudstra decided more education would deepen his understanding of the disorder. He already had a masters of science in general psychology and was 30 credits away from a second degree. That’s when Woudstra, who resides in Porterville, CA, discovered Purdue University Global’s online offering that met his needs.

Woudstra values education, something he had put on the back burner. During a diverse professional life including careers in customer service, financial consulting, program administration and development and criminal justice, he remained focused on his family. It wasn’t until after his retirement from law enforcement and his children had attained adulthood that Woudstra made himself a priority.

After Woudstra’s retirement, he continued to work part-time in his local school system monitoring and intervening in students’ maladaptive behavior patterns. Once he obtained his bachelor’s and first master’s degrees from California Coast University, he provided in-home child therapy before deciding to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. It was the latter that led him to Purdue Global, where he graduated in May with a second MS in psychology–this time with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis.

“I found my experience at Purdue to be rewarding and enlightening because at the masters’ level, everyone respected each other, and the instructors set the example by addressing the audience as future scholars. Moreover, the graduate psychology faculty shared real-world experiences to help solidify the material.”

Woudstra now works with a team of professionals providing services to at-risk youth where he provides coaching and counseling around behavior. He emphasizes the importance of developing trust so that children with behavior problems feel safe. That requires being able to relate to them.

“I try to empower them to cope on their terms; to teach the kids to think,” he said. “Unlike material things, the knowledge gained through education is eternal. I’ve learned so much, and now I can share that learning with others and make a positive difference.” Woudstra also continues to work as a substitute teacher from preschool through high school and volunteers at a local hospital.

Dispelling Myths

“Older people are not has-beens or addled old fogies,” he says. “On the contrary, older workers can contribute more than anyone could ever imagine if given the opportunity.

Woudstra himself sets the example. Not planning on stopping anytime soon, he advocates that older workers can be the most valued and dedicated of resources. “They have no ax to grind because they have been there and done it. Not to mention, they possess an extensive wealth of life experiences that no textbook can ever attempt to teach or impart.”

Drawing from his own experiences in law enforcement, Woudstra has a deep, empathic sense for understanding and connecting to others.

My tenure in law enforcement exposed me to many instances of emotional and psychological despair within individuals who had run afoul of the law. Deep down, they were just lost, broken and emotionally bankrupt. I felt that if there was anything left for me to do in life, it was to attempt to help these individuals to whatever extent I could and support them in their healing process.

What’s the trick to dispelling the myth about older people?

“Public education and awareness regarding their potential,” said Woudstra, who believes one of the most significant differences between the generations is the pace with which they move through life. “I have learned not to be judgmental and view younger people from their perspective as much as possible. My life pace was much more measured, and I was able to cope and adjust to my circumstance because I was able to stop the clock long enough to come up for air, reflect, contemplate, reassess and overcome and adapt.

Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global, formerly Kaplan, is an online learning platform operated as part of the Purdue University system. “When older students return to school they know why they’re there and they are motivated to succeed,” said Dr. Betty Vandenbosch, Chancellor of Purdue Global, who advocates that online education is just one model for education because one size does not fit all. “Most of our students are over 30 and are delighted to be here.”

One unique aspect of Purdue Global is faculty training to help integrate intergenerational students into the virtual classroom. “We offer Stages of Life training to all our faculty that addresses the many types of students we have in our classrooms and the challenges they face,” she added.

“Adult learners come to the university with diverse educational and employment backgrounds. We leverage their existing skills and knowledge by offering alternative ways they can learn and progress to their degree, depending on their starting point and the time they have available for education. Moreover, we have focused on building the infrastructure to create an outcomes-focused university with a track to degree that will efficiently accommodate every student.”

You Can’t Stereotype Age

Woudstra is happy to report that he and his grandson have developed a loving and positive relationship based on mutual respect and validation of each other as unique individuals. It was learning and practicing patience that most impacted his success when interacting with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Furthermore, I have learned to recognize windows opportunities when therapy can be applied and when to back off when the individual is not receptive for therapy or when he or she has just plain hit that proverbial wall.”

Woudstra’s typical workweek comprises of more than 20 hours in his part-time job, plus several hours volunteering at the hospital. But it’s not all work and no play. A thespian, Woudstra auditions for plays and usually spends ten hours a week in rehearsals when cast. And, an accomplished chef, he especially enjoys preparing exotic meals.

When people make ageist comments about him still working and how they have better things to do with their time, Woudstra’s response sets them straight.

“I really enjoy what I’m doing; it keeps me mentally young and vibrant. Plus, staying connected gives me a sense of what is important and of value in today’s society.”

The difference in opinions, even among those already retired, supports Ashton Applewhite’s mantra that “there is no such thing as stereotypically old–the longer we live, the more diverse our age cohort and the less our age says about what we’re physically and cognitively capable of.”

Did you miss previous articles in the Mid-Career and Beyond series? Read them here!

Former Teacher, Foreign Service Officer, Campaign Manager: What Enticed This Mid-Career Woman Back To School

Surprising Career Encore For Successful Civil Rights Attorney

Claims Adjuster To API Architect, Marketer To Software Engineer: Mid-Career Pivots In 12 Weeks

Back to School After 25 Years: Amazing Things Happen When You Make A Promise To Yourself