Studies show that public speaking is one of the worst fears people face. This doesn't have to be the case. The secret is to have a speech that is well prepared and a plan to see that you yourself are well prepared. Then giving a speech can be a pleasure rather than a chore. Yes I did.
Determination is the key.
I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh when I was in my early fifties with degrees in Psychology and Writing. That was one of the proudest moments of my life. That's a question that has two different answers. Of course I would love to have started at a younger age and spent all the years in-between doing what I love, but on the other hand I have experienced many things that have an impact on what I write and the way that I write it. This can only have made me a better writer and for that I am grateful.