Excellent @empoderat. 👏 I am happy for you! 👍🙂

"I almost gave up on them calling me since I was late with the application and my % of chances to enter were low and I'm being generous."

It is always nice when our expectations are exceeded.

One of my distinct memories of my own education experience was how much my life in the real world influenced it. Given that many of the students around me had very little of it themselves.

I hope you end up finding that what you "bring to the table," from your experience in real life, is invaluable to you in adding ... "new tools to your toolbox!" 🚀