This presentation deals with the returning adult to the academic setting. Questions focusing on the student’s life changing decision will be addressed when one quits a job, moves to a new community, becomes a college student, and attempts to lead a normal life. This presentation focuses on the lives of one couple who, after years of desire, make the commitment to enter the postsecondary arena. Different perspectives will be taken such as the individual, the family, VR Counselor, and the academic setting. Participants in this session will leave with a better sense of a holistic approach to managing traumatic change that is necessary to access a postsecondary education.