I, too, got a late start. I graduated from college at 27 and earned a doctorate by 32.
In a country like France there would have been no hope for me.
It took me 37 years to find Free Republic...just think about how “behind” I am in everything. I was one of those kids who tried really hard but did not get it. Luckily I went to Catholic School were they were patient with me and I finally did get it. It is sad how they want to dump the “take a bit of time” kids.