Chris Ward: It's never too late to become a beginner again

At 72, Chris Ward is not interested in slowing down, but in making up for lost time. 

After a 54-year career that took him from the decks of massive oil tankers to the offices of refineries, banks, and insurance companies, Ward retired with an unusual goal: to become a beginner again. This time, he wanted to study something he loved. 

“I decided I’m going to spend the rest of my life getting good at something I really love,” Ward said.  

That something was music. Today, Ward is studying audio engineering at San Jacinto College, where he is building on an associate degree in music and learning the technical skills to record the music he hopes to create. 

For Ward, it’s the latest chapter in a life that has already taken him around the world. 

From sea to shore

Born in England, Ward grew up in a family with limited financial means but earned strong grades in school. At 16, he went to sea after British Petroleum accepted him as an officer cadet and paid for his education. 

After 14 years, he became a captain of large oil tankers, which led to opportunities onshore. 

After moving to the United States in 1983, Ward worked in oil refining and consulting, evaluating facilities and investments for insurance companies and banks. 

Although good at the work, Ward makes an important distinction between talent and passion. 

“I hated it,” he said. “Man, I got world-class good at it in 54 years, but when I retired, I thought, ‘What a waste.’” 

When his wife became ill, Ward decided to retire. During this transition, he considered what he wanted the next part of his life to look like, and music kept calling. 

Starting over as a student 

Ward initially completed an associate degree in music at another community college. Returning to school meant starting over academically in some ways. His previous education and professional credentials from England did not transfer. 

“I’m a lot better student now,” Ward said. “I always got good grades, but now, I love to study. I love to learn.” 

After learning about San Jac’s tuition benefits for older students, Ward began taking classes at the College. Under San Jac policy, students 65 and older may enroll in up to six credit hours per term without paying tuition, provided space is available.  

Ward took audio engineering and music theory courses and continued with music classes over the summer to complement what he had already learned. 

“If I’m going to make beautiful music, then I need to be able to record it,” he said. 

Ward plays guitar, is learning piano, sings, and participates in choir. His musical tastes span genres, although he gravitates toward melodic and emotional tunes. 

Finding his place at San Jac 

Returning to a college classroom decades later could have been intimidating, but Ward’s experience at San Jac has been just the opposite. 

 “Nobody has made me feel out of place for being a bit older or being British,” he said. “I’m held to the same standard as everybody else.” 

For older adults who hesitate to return to college, Ward recommends being open to ask for help. 

“Be upfront and honest with the people at the College, and they’ll all help you,” he said. 

He expects to complete his audio engineering studies and is already considering what comes next, including continuing at a four-year university. Stopping, however, doesn’t appear to be part of the plan. After all, Ward points out, he is still younger than Mick Jagger.  

 Music has always remained part of his life — only now he is no longer content just to listen. He wants to make it. 

 And after spending a career becoming an expert at something he did not love, Ward hopes others will learn from the choice he’s making at 72. 

“Follow your passion,” he said. “The numbers in your bank account don’t define you.” 

For Ward, this chapter is not about looking back at what he could have done differently but deciding what to do with the time ahead. 

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.