To the person pursuing their education that isn't the 'traditional' college student,
I know you think you're alone in this pursuit. You aren't. You are so, so far from alone. Maybe you're starting slow and taking a few classes at community college. Or, maybe you're going back and picking up where you left off at the university you were so close to graduating from (or maybe you weren't close, that's okay too). The only thing that matters is that you're back. You're working on it. You're still striving for that piece of paper. You haven't given up on that pursuit, and to me, that's more commendable than someone who went the traditional route.
To the parent returning to school,
Maybe you had to take some time off for the birth of a child. That's okay, you put your family first. I know it isn't ideal, but it's what had to be done. You put your son or daughter first. You put their well being and their upbringing before your education. I understand how difficult it must have been. You might have been in your last year of school when you found out you were pregnant. I know it isn't the news you want. Or, maybe it is. I personally have never been through that, but I know people that have. Most of them wouldn't change the choice they made. So many moms and dads put major life experiences on hold for their children. It's just what good parents do.
To the tradesmen, that's here to better themselves,
So life took you on a different path than going to college right away? That's okay. You went to a trade school and didn't realize until later on in life that you wanted to pursue a degree. Maybe you're a carpenter, sitting in an English class after a ten hour work day. Your pants are covered in sawdust, your face tanned to a deep brown from being outside all day. The point is, you're here. You're trying, and you are doing your very best to create a better life. Maybe that better life is for your future wife or the children that are with the woman you once loved. You may be non-traditional, but you are keeping up a tradition of excellence that all tradesmen hold near and dear to them.
To the veteran,
Your country came first. You served honorably, and you served with your whole self. You went to basic training when you were fresh out of high school because you were gung-ho and ready to pay the price. You wore your hair high and tight or slicked back into a bun. There are characteristics some of us can see a mile away. You deployed to the sandbox, as some of us call it. You sheltered in place when there was mortar-fire, and donned chem-gear when there was a threat of an attack. We thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Even those of us currently serving thank you for paving the way for us all. But now, you're back in school. Maybe you learned skills in the military that you won't use in your career in the civilian world, and that's okay. What you did learn, however, was diligence. You learned work ethic and a drive to succeed. Those skills will serve you well in the classroom. I commend you for being able to sit in an environment that is so different than what you're used to, and trying to succeed.
No matter what reason you're here, the point is that you're doing it. You're pursuing your education to the best of your ability which is something anyone should admire.
Sincerely,
One of your biggest supporters.