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Former Navy SEAL Enters Yale as 52-Year-Old Freshman

Associated Press

   NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT - Former Navy SEAL James Hatch says heading to
   class as a freshman at Yale University is just about as nerve-wracking
   as preparing for the uncertainty of combat.
   At 52 years old, Hatch does not fit the profile of the traditional Yale
   freshman.

   "My experience in academia is somewhat limited, at best," he said. "But
   I want to learn, and I feel this can make me a better person. I also
   feel my life experience, maybe with my maturity -- which my wife would
   say is laughable -- I think I can help some of the young people out."

   Hatch's journey to the Ivy League has been serpentine.

   He joined the military out of high school, became a SEAL and spent just
   short of 26 years in the Navy, fighting in Afghanistan and other hot
   spots.

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