If you think you're too old to go back to college or other challenges standing in the way, consider that this year's Bermuda College valedictorian is over 40 and has eight kids.

"I have always wanted to go back to school," said LenaMay Smith, 42.

"Over the years I found a lot of excuses why I couldn't.

"I was homeschooling my children. Finally, I bit the bullet."

As a youngster Mrs. Smith signed up for college, but only stayed a month.

"I was overwhelmed," she said.

The next year she got married and took a secretarial course. Since then, she has been a stay-at-home mother.

She has done some freelance writing for various media but her passion is mathematics.

Last Thursday, at the Bermuda College graduation ceremony, she received an associate's degree in science with a concentration on mathematics.

She is going on to pursue a master's degree in mathematics at the University of Southampton in England.

"My favourite class was mathematics," she said, explaining she enjoyed the challenge of it.

"I really liked multi-variable calculus. All of my calculus classes were fun. I love math.

"I can never let up with math. You can never not pay attention. I always have to challenge myself to stay in there. I love that feeling."

When she returns from university she wants to teach maths at the Bermuda College.

"I love Bermuda College," she said. "I love the atmosphere. I admired my lecturers. Because I love math so much I really wanted to teach it at a higher level.

"The more I became acquainted with higher-level math, the more I wanted to work with it everyday. I want to teach other students how great is. Math is really beautiful and elegant. I would like to convey that to other students."

Mrs. Smith said she cringes when she hears people say they are too old to go back to college.

"I don't believe in that," she said. "I believe we can do what we want to do.

"The added maturity and knowing what I wanted, gave me an advantage. The greater maturity allowed me to to be more focused. I was more determined and I understand what it is to sacrifice. My age wasn't a disadvantage; it was an advantage."

She said she was often the oldest person in the class, but not always.

"I never felt odd or anything like that," she said. "I got along with everyone. We were very friendly. We were all in it together. Sometimes as a non-traditional student, people say that you have different challenges. You have a husband, and children to take care of. But I realised that all students have challenges to overcome in one way or another. This was work for all of us."

Mrs. Smith's children range in age from six to 23.

"I definitely inspired my kids," she said. "They have been so supportive. They have been there the whole way. They picked up the slack. My older daughter took on cooking dinner. The more classes I took on, the more work I had to do at home."

"Now my kids talk more about their own goals. I believe it is important to lead from the front. I always encourage them to aim high and do well. They can see you pushing through and overcoming and accomplishing things. It means a lot to them."

Mrs. Smith took several classes with her daughter Krystal, also a Bermuda College student.

During her college career, Mrs. Smith won the Isabel Jardine Memorial Scholarship two years in a row. And at this year's awards ceremony she was named the most outstanding science graduate. She is graduating with distinction. "For other non-traditional students thinking about doing it, I would say, 'just do it'," said Mrs. Smith. "Even if you begin on a part-time basis.

"You would be surprised at what you can accomplish."

On graduation day, her children, and husband Theron Smith, were in attendance to cheer her on. "Live life aggressively and embrace challenges," was advice she said had served her well.