“I am overwhelmed, but in the best way.” That’s how Leigh Schaff describes coming back to college after 20 years. “It’s been challenging and simultaneously great at working and expanding my brain.”

Schaff started on the traditional path, heading to college after high school. She was studying graphic design, but “I was not ready for college my first time.” So, she took a different route, working in retail, hospitality, and starting her own business (Just Breathe Home Organization). As a self-described “headstrong, independent, DIY-er wanting to know how to fix and build things,” it made sense that when she stumbled on the TC3 website and was reading about the SUNY Reconnect program, she would be attracted to construction and environmental technology. She applied and started part-time in Spring 2026.

“Everyone one was so nice,” she said about her return to the classroom. 

“Things are different this time. I want to do this for me and for my six-year-old son,” she said. “I want him to know school is important, and show him it’s important to stick with it.”

And she already has a lot to show her son. She got straight A’s in her first semester and is now studying full-time. “I signed up before I could second-guess myself,” she said when asked if she had any advice for other adults considering going to college. “Find what you love and do it. It’s never too late. Just do it. Even if you’re scared, just do it.”