I graduated from college at 39, after almost a decade in the military. I feel behind, but I think I made the right choice.

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• Josh Rose graduated from college at age 39 after nine years of active service in the military.
• As a recent graduate, he said he feels behind in life compared to his younger peers.
• But having a degree has allowed him to secure a job in tech and boosted his confidence, he said.

This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Josh Rose...