What if I went back to school?
Not out of regret. Not out of lack. But maybe... out of curiosity. Out of something unfinished.
For years, it’s been on my heart to pursue more education—but not in the “climb the ladder” sense. More like: how can I better understand people? Better protect myself and others in business? Better integrate the things I actually enjoy learning about into the life and work I already do?
I earned my bachelor's in Media Communications, with a certificate in Interactive Digital Media. That part of my journey definitely shaped where I am now as a designer, storyteller, and entrepreneur—even if not directly. I didn't know then that I'd be running a creative business now, but those seeds were planted early.
I almost minored in Psychology. I dropped it for reasons I can’t even recall now. But my love for it never left. Same for Sociology. Same for Media Law, which kicked my butt but also made me seriously consider law school at one point—especially for IP law and protecting creative work.
But law school felt too daunting. So I shelved the idea and told myself, You’ll just learn what you need to learn on your own. That’s enough.
Still, I wonder... is it?
Because while I’ve never wanted to become a therapist or open a practice, the deeper I’ve gotten into my own healing journey—managing chronic illness, navigating anxiety and depression, peeling back the layers of identity and purpose—the more I feel drawn to the study of how we work. Why we buy. How we connect. What drives behavior. What stops us from moving forward.
People often tell me I should be a therapist. And while that’s not my lane, I do understand why they say that.
The way I’ve been able to build relationships—both online and off—has so much less to do with what I know how to do and so much more with how I see people. I credit a lot of that to being open about my own struggles. But I also think my curiosity is a big part of it.
So I’m wondering:
Do I need to pursue a degree in Psychology to honor that curiosity?
Or can I study it on my own?Do I need the legitimacy of a degree to feel confident in what I know, in this particular field?Or am I chasing a credential that might not even be necessary for the way I want to use the knowledge?
The older I get, the more I realize school isn’t just about “return on investment.”Sometimes, it’s about the return of self—the version of you that feels the most alive when you’re learning something that actually matters to you.
I haven’t made a decision. I don’t know what’s next.
But I do know this: the thought won’t leave me alone.And maybe that’s the sign I need to take the next step.Even if I’m not sure where that step is leading.
All Is Well— Ashlee Nicole