The yellow busses are rolling. Crossing guards are carefully guiding students across busy streets. Moms and dads are driving carpools and managing everything that goes into successfully orchestrating the smooth flow of events in the school day of their children as they manage their own jobs.

It is always hectic when school begins, but it is also exciting --- for older students as well as the younger ones.

A few years ago I returned to school after a very long time away, to study Pastoral Theology at Loyola Marymount University. It was an impulsive decision with no career goal in mind. It is, however, one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Initially my husband was not sure this was a good idea. Couldn't I wait until our youngest son had completed his degree? So I waited --- one semester, which gave us time to adjust to the idea, talk about it and plan how this would fit into our lives.

A background in the field of psychology naturally led to a course of study that includes training in the art of spiritual direction. This track includes classes that lead to the in-depth examination of one's soul and life in anticipation of guiding others to do the same.

Sometimes it all seemed too difficult, even unnecessary. What was the point at this stage of life? The point, as I have come to understand at the hand of highly skilled and caring professors, is that one never stops growing, learning and evolving. God continues to call us throughout our entire lives.

Returning to school at an age when retirement is the next logical step has not been without anxiety. The first few classes were nearly disastrous. The acronyms were like a foreign language, and it seemed that everyone but me understood St. Augustine and St. Ignatius. The large parking structures and the vastness of the campus were intimidating; so was the bookstore. There were times that I was not sure even which elevator was the right one to get me to my car. It has also been a bit of a challenge to drive the freeway sometimes late at night.

With each class there are ideas presented that are comfortable and familiar as well as ideas that are startling. Theology is a fascinating field that poses as many questions as it answers. On the lighter side, my children patiently take calls on how to properly format footnotes and bibliographies. They have also gotten used to the response, "Can't talk now --- have to finish a paper."

The decision to return to school has also opened doors I never even knew existed. Beyond the obvious, which includes listening to marvelous professors and very smart students, and the excitement of discovering new ideas as well as finally understanding familiar ones, this experience has been an opportunity to forge new relationships.

At the end of the day, this has been the gift. Listening and entering into conversation with others, sometimes with ideas that are divergent from my own long-held views, has helped broaden my perspective and strengthen my faith. It has also been humbling.

I still procrastinate and complain about reading and writing papers. I still race out the door at the last minute, and I do not relish the freeway drive home in the dark. But learning what the early fathers of the church had to say on a variety of topics, wading through the intricacies of systematic theology and morality, and realizing the contributions of so many women throughout church history makes it worthwhile.

Today, going to class has become a routine part of our family life. When my oldest grandchild, just starting first grade, comes for a visit, we each have our "work" to do. He does his reading and I do mine. The experience has enriched our lives. I highly recommend it!

Anne Hansen is a member of the Camarillo Catholic community. Her e-mail address is familymail@aol.com.