She credits her Irish parents with having made education a great priority. Though her father only completed sixth grade in school, he always helped with homework and stressed to his daughter the value of an education. Her mother's stories, filled with Irish myth, political fact and personal experiences, formed the basis for Anne's love of history. They helped her see history as alive - not merely a record of dates and events, but the story of people and how they evolve through the decisions they make. On the other hand, it can be frustrating when material that is new and challenging for her is merely a review or a continuation of what traditional students have studied recently in high school.
Biology provides a case in point.
In contrast she feels she has an advantage as an adult student when judgment or analysis is called for, skills she has developed through life experiences. Another duality she has noticed concerns her place on campus as a woman in her 60's. Their study partnership paid dividends to them both and led to an unexpected friendship. Don't quit. . . It's a great example for the grand kids.