schools
At 40, she went back to college. What she found surprised her.
By Normandale Community College at Sahan Journal
· June 22, 2026
· 5 min read
After nearly two decades away from the classroom, Jacquelynne Sutton came to Normandale Community College and discovered a path forward in community health, and herself.
At 40, Jacquelynne wasn’t planning to go back to school. “I woke up one day and thought, I have to do something,” she says. ...
Key takeaway At 40, Jacquelynne wasn’t planning to go back to school.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The story of Jacquelynne Sutton's return to college at 40 resonates deeply in Minneapolis , where many residents face similar barriers to pursuing higher education. Her experience at Normandale Community College highlights the importance of institutions that cater to non-traditional students, providing a supportive environment and practical solutions to common obstacles. The fact that Sutton found a sense of belonging among students of diverse ages and backgrounds speaks to the college's intentional efforts to foster inclusivity. As the city continues to grapple with issues of education and workforce development, Sutton's story serves as a testament to the potential for community colleges to play a vital role in helping adults restart their educational journeys and pursue new career paths. Her success in the Community Health Worker certificate program also underscores the value of programs that address specific community needs, and the potential for such initiatives to have a positive impact on public health in Minneapolis.
About this story
Original reporting by Sahan Journal . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Sahan Journal . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Sahan Journal ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? After nearly two decades away from the classroom, Jacquelynne Sutton came to Normandale Community College and discovered a path forward in community health, and herself.
At 40, Jacquelynne wasn’t planning to go back to school. “I woke up one day and thought, I have to do something,” she says. ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Sahan Journal and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Normandale Community College at Sahan Journal. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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