50-year-old starts college journey at STCC: ‘It’s never too late’

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When David Spice walked onto the Springfield Technical Community College campus this summer, he didn’t feel out of place. He felt exhilarated.

“I was walking around, got my ID, and it already felt rewarding,” said Spice, a 50-year-old Westfield resident. “It was exhilarating just walking around and seeing the history – and knowing I’m going to be a part of that history. It resonated with me.”

“I had a grin on my face the whole day,” he added. “It was a momentous occasion.”

After a decades-long career in shipping, receiving and inventory management – mostly at Whole Foods Market – Spice decided it was time to start a new chapter. Physical challenges stemming from years of labor-intensive work pushed him to reevaluate his path. When he learned about MassReconnect, a new Massachusetts initiative offering free community college for adults 25 and older without a college degree, he realized the moment had come.

“It’s never too late, they say – and I figured, you know, it’s not too late, but it’s sort of late,” he said with a laugh. “So, I figured I might as well jump in and give it a shot.”

This summer, Spice is preparing for his associate degree in Computer Systems Engineering Technologies (CSET). His goal after finishing? To shift into a more technical field.

After graduating from high school in 1993, Spice didn’t see higher education as part of his future. “Formalized education really didn’t hold any interest for me at that point,” he said.

Instead, he moved out of his parents’ home the night of graduation and began building a career and a life out West, living in San Francisco and Colorado. He eventually found professional success in logistics and inventory, working his way up to lead receiver in South Windsor, Conn.

But it wasn’t until a leave of absence due to health issues that he seriously considered a different kind of future – one with a college degree.

“I want to use my brain more than my body,” Spice said. “A change from working in a retail environment to a more professional environment – I think that’s going to be a big shift, and I’m looking forward to it.”

As long as you have the desire and the motivation, anybody can go back to school. David Spice, STCC student

He considered other colleges, but chose STCC for its strong reputation and hands-on technical programs. “I’m a hands-on kind of guy, and the degrees offered at STCC aligned more accurately with my strengths,” he said. “It just seemed more interesting.”

Spice was surprised and delighted by the warm welcome he received when he came to the campus and registered. He met faculty and staff who made him feel right at home. “Everybody’s been very kind and welcoming. It’s refreshing to be able to interact with students and teachers and administrators as contemporaries,” he said. “It’s been excellent so far.”

The support he’s received – from free tuition to guidance in navigating the academic experience – has affirmed his belief that STCC is the right place for him. Even as he anticipates the challenge of balancing full-time school with an eventual return to work, he remains committed. “This is going to be my priority,” he said. “Even if I can’t do the job I had before, I’ll find a way to make ends meet while I finish the process here.”

His decision to return to college at 50 sparked widespread attention after he shared his story on Reddit. The post went viral, generating thousands of supportive responses – and even caught the eye of Newsweek, which featured him in an article about older students returning to college. The overwhelming message from readers? It’s never too late.

To anyone in their 40s or 50s considering college but doubting themselves, Spice has a message.

“As long as you have the desire and the motivation, anybody can go back to school,” he said.

Spice joins a diverse community of learners at STCC. At the May 2025 commencement, graduates ranged in age from 18 to 73, and about half were over the age of 25.

STCC supports students of all ages in reaching their goals, whether they’re just starting out or ready to reinvent themselves, said Dr. Christopher Thuot, STCC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs.

“David’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when people have access to opportunity and support,” Thuot said. “At STCC, we believe in every student’s potential – whether they’re just out of high school or returning to college after decades away. We’re thrilled David chose STCC and proud to support him on his journey.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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