AGE did not stop these women from pursuing a common purpose — helping others.
They are now using their knowledge and training to bring hope back to people in need.
Vanessa Chant is a lecturer and head of counselling at Southside Christian Fellowship's Tabor College, Miranda.
Nerida Dunkerley, a mature-age student, graduated this month.
The college has offered tertiary courses in counselling, ministry and theology, and trained chaplains and missionaries for the past 21 years in Sutherland Shire.
Dr Chant, a minister's wife who helped pioneer the college with her husband, recently completed her doctorate.
"I didn't start studying until I was 50," she said.
"I have learning difficulties so it was a hard slog, but my students encouraged me.
"They were a source of inspiration because of their stories and personal journeys."
Dr Chant said counselling was the most popular course at the college, and when she retires this year she hopes to open a free counselling clinic in the shire.
"The counselling course makes up about 50 per cent of what we do," she said.
"In this area of education, it's one of the biggest in Australia.
"We get students aged from 18 to 70-plus."
Course graduate and former alcoholic Nerida Dunkerley is doing her master's degree, and works in addiction counselling.
"I was running a drug and alcohol rehab for the homeless and for Aboriginal people, but after it closed and I was made redundant, I had the opportunity to reassess what I wanted to do," she said.
"I had a desire to upskill.
"I have 32 years of recovery up now.
"Nobody is without hope; there is always a chance for somebody to turn their life around."
Details: http://tabornsw.edu.au/ or 9522 9300.
