| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/16/2007 8:28:45 PM | | I started to go back to college in my mid thirties, I attended a community college and I felt as though the school did not have an understanding of adult learning verses a highschool graduate, I worked my butt off for the first two years and found the college was misdirecting me on what courses I needed to take, meanwhile my child was entering first grade and started having great difficulties, I got an education in special education and didn't earn my degree. I actually had to drop out of college to help my daughter get the services she deserved. Now that has all setteled I transferred all my credits to a college that works with adults I take classes in the evenings and working towards my balachors, and then will continue on. I love the college and its mission so much I want to become a part of their team in the future. so keep going.. I turn 41 on thanksgiving!!!! | |
|
| |
nona37
|
Joined: 11/12/2007
Msg: 128 | |
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/18/2007 5:40:30 AM | Hey snoogles, I went back at 35 and with the exception of few other things in life, it's the best decision I EVER made! My education is paid for 100% , so I thought, why not? It was tough at first, getting use to the "academia" crowd, and the young kids, but I hung in there and made it, I will finish my requirements for my associates degree after this semester in Business Management and am continuing on with my Bachelor's in Business Management as well as a Minor in English with a concentration in writing.
You are never too old to go back to school, I have discovered people in my college that are alot older than me, and also, this would be a great opportunity to make a difference in kid's lives. I can not count the number of kids I have helped and inspired since going back, and I must say, some of them have inspired me as well.
Congrats on the honor society!! I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, and it was a VERY proud moment in my life, good luck to ya :) | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/18/2007 7:42:02 AM | | I'm 43 now, and have just started a full-time I.T. degree after spending the last 19 years working for the same company. I'm loving it, and so glad I took the chance to change my life - I'm happier, more alert, have more energy than I had before - it's a great 'youth tonic' for me ! | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/18/2007 12:16:12 PM | | I went back to school to get my Master's degree in my 3o's. It was great. It's not easy to work full time and go to school at the same time, but I'm really glad I did it. School was much easier than I thought it would be- just time consuming and hard to juggle both. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/18/2007 12:58:43 PM | | I think if I went back to school now I would be more motivated to do well. I went to university right out of high school and since the parents were strict in high school, no parties or anything, I got caught up in that in university. Now that I am over that I would be more motivated to do the school work. You learn a lot with age. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/19/2007 6:52:22 AM | I think education is a lifelong process so why not go back in your 30s or whenever you so desire. I am in law school right now and there are students both younger and older in my classes.
Now, I would have rather finished this particular chapter when I was younger and had less responsibilities, but at the same time, I think even when I graduate law school there may be times I want to take classes or even pursue another degree because I just enjoy learning. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/21/2007 3:12:11 PM | Lifelong learner here as well. I got a BS in Psychology directly after high school. Now, at 32, I am in the throws of a fast track teacher certification program for career changers with non-teaching degrees. Had to grab some English credits (am teaching middle school English) and my student teaching/teacher certification exam is next semester. After I teach for a few years I am going back for my masters degree in Guidance. I plan on taking 4-5 years to get the Masters then will work as a teacher until I land a guidance position.
I love being back in school as an adult leaner. I am so much more motivated and have more life experience than many of my peers which makes getting A's easy! Anyone that wants to go back to school should make it happen!
Best,
A~ | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/21/2007 4:36:57 PM | I'm 36 and I'm in college. It's all online seeing as I'm a single mother of two, work full time, and hate sitting in a classroom. I can't seem to get this Statistics class though. Ugh.
I recently separted from my husband, and I need to get a degree so I can earn more. It's difficult, but what motivates me is the end result. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/22/2007 11:21:55 PM | | I'm starting school in Jan. well because I need a deg. to go further with the company that I work for. They are paying for it as well, so why not. If I can keep getting good grades it will be paid for 100%. and for personal growth as well, as I wasn't able to finnish college after high school. well scratch that, I was kicked out of high school and got my GED. Since my older brother is doing it as well, I might as well too and show him up LOL.. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/23/2007 2:55:06 AM | I went to college after 30 and it radically changed my life and lead to opportunities I would not even of imagined possible a short time before. It's not only the knowledge specific to your field of study that you gain, but I learned a lot about myself that I was capable of much more than I previously assumed.
Before going to college the hardest thing for me was to figure out what I wanted. Sounds like you know what you want and completing your degree is prereq to becoming an educator.
Good luck with your endeavor. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/23/2007 9:19:33 AM | | It's a little different in the UK ... you go to college after high school.....I started college at 32... studied for 4 yrs then took a year out to work full time... I have now started a degree and work part time as a personnel administrator... In 2006 I won adult learner of the year... which in its self is an accomplishment for me.... I intend to continue with my studies untill I get to phd level..... best choice I ever made..it has given me an insight and I have gained so much knowledge.... good luck to you, it's difficult at times but well worth it | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/23/2007 7:48:09 PM | I think its awesome you've gone back to school.
I went back to school after the break up of a long term relationship where I put my education on hold to help be a bread winner. Unfortunatley life tossed me a few more hoops and I couldn't continue after my first year.
The thing I found hard about it was trying to work plus carry on a new relationship at the same time. I wanted to do well plus making everyone happy and I don't think I was prepared how self-focused I had to be going back to school.
I decided to use different tactics to work my way up the ladder and continue to study those things I was interested just more as a hobby. I'm content with my decision now but there is always this part of me that wishes things had of been different and it had of worked out. I have to take more risks than I would if I had a degree.
I give my 100% support for anyone else who goes for it. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/25/2007 8:12:32 AM | I'm 54 and I'm in college! Went back at age 52. I am on the waiting list to get into the xray tech program (and want to learn MRI and CT scanning afterwards). I finished every single class except for the 8 actual xray classes and the 3 clinicals so now I'm taking classes towards my bachelors. Can only take 3 more however and then have to wait until after I finish the xray tech program. Just about right anyhow--my name has moved up until I am almost certain to get into the fall 2008 group--just 2 semesters away now. The school goes ONLY by date of signup--they don't care about grades, age, race or anything else. When I first signed up I was on the spring 2010 list! Thankfully many drop out for one reason or other. Around here only 2 year colleges have xray tech degrees (even though it is almost a 3 year degree) so you can't get a Bachelors at the same college you get the xray tech degree at. And all the colleges want the last 30 credits in a row taken at their college to get a Bachelors degree from 'their' college lol. Would be nice if a 4 yr. university would have an xray tech program so I could take classes in advance, but alas I will have to wait until after I get the tech degree to finish my Bachelors.
Best thing I ever did even though I will be about 56 when I graduate with the tech degree, 57 when I graduate with my Bachelors and 58 when I finish schooling for MRI and CT scanning. I plan to work full time until I'm at least 70 so no problem. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/25/2007 8:40:48 AM | I graduated University in my early 20's, and went back to college in my mid twenties to change career paths.
I have numerous friends who are in their late twenties and early thirties who have decided to go back to school and either finish up high school or to change career paths.
I personally think it is very honorable that they want to improve their skill sets and I support them 100% of the way.
I will never attempt to discourage someone for wanting to improve themselves.
I love school, I love learning and I love exploring options which were not within my realm when I was a teenager.
As I matured, I realized that responsibilities require effort. Being educated assists in succeeding in accomplishing goals.
To anyone in their mature lives wanting to go back to school, I applaud you! | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/25/2007 12:34:44 PM | | How about going back to school in your 50's. You are just a baby and hardly older than those other students. I know you will do fine and I applaud you for jumping in there, and with children too. You are setting a wonderful example for your children to follow and it will pay off in the long run. The time will go fast and you are doing what you want to do. This is the important thing. I am still in school, working on a grad degree now, and so when you feel old, and tired, and wonder if there is ever an end to school, remember there is at least one of us in school who is older than you. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/25/2007 8:58:31 PM | I took a class, just one, when I was 33 and boy did I feel out of place, nobody said anything derogatory to me and everyone was nice but the culture shock was the hardest part for me to get over. I'm not exactly an outgoing person either, I don't even like going for groceries or to the mall, University was a completely alien social environment.
Most days at first I was sweating like a criminal on death row, a half hour into the class and my stomach was growling I was so hungry (I guess my brain was working). Eventually I got used to it except for the late nights trying to understand things that seemed impossible for humans to understand.
I was lucky the University had a Mature and Part-Time Student Association, I was surprised to learn how many people at the University were mature (over 22 years old) students, I think it was something like 20% or more of the total students.
Unfortunately I couldn't continue and I lost momentum, it's a bit embarrassing not to have completed University I consider education important and I love to learn, I am always reading. Friends and co-workers have called me smart but I feel like an impostor for not having a formal education.
Go if you can! Even if you can't...and pay for it later. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/25/2007 10:34:06 PM | | oh, a student of life, I've certainly pondered auditing classes at the local university, but with my current job situation, I can't bring myself to wake up early just for fun ;-) Perhaps a graduate degree some day, but that day won't be tomorrow. I want to get my SCUBA cert first :-) | |
|
| hello
Posted: 11/26/2007 8:07:45 PM | | im 31 yeppers going to college kinda weird but its ok freshman majoring in business hope to talk to someone laters | |
|
| hello
Posted: 11/26/2007 9:00:22 PM | I went to undergrad in my late-teens/early 20's. Worked in IT for most of my 20's - laid off and went to law school on another continent. Back here getting certified and practise. So now, I work full time (yep, back in IT) while I study part time to get accreditation next year and pay off a massive debt. I'm 31, and if I could replay the choice I made I'd do the same thing.
If you're 30+ and back at schooling, I give you all the credit and all the luck in the world. Persevere - f*ck stigma; education is the the best gift and strongest asset you can acquire regardless of age | |
|
| Oy, vey
Posted: 11/26/2007 9:16:22 PM | I started at age 38, sometimes i wonder if I'm insane. I take 11 credit hours a semester on top of my job and everything else, and it's a bit of a struggle. I'm torn between wanting to take fewer classes and having less to worry about, or taking more so I get done with my 2 year degree in less than 4 years.
Doesn't help I'm still the lazy student I was in high school. So much for experience. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/27/2007 5:19:32 AM | | Like many of you I also had a bit of down time before starting college at 33. I was apprehensive about how I would "fit in" with the younger crowd. Needless concerns, I met several fellow students and am still in touch with many of them 30 years later. The unexpected part was that I was older and more world-wise than some of the professors. One result was that they seemed to respond to me better than they did to the other students. This was especially true in PolSci and Philosophy classes where opinion and interpretation were more to be considered than facts. At times I felt like the loyal opposition in the classroom discussions. The bottom line was that, despite the long hours and frustrations, I've had a much better life than I would have otherwise. Not just the material rewards of a better job, more pay, etc.; but a richer, fuller life than had I not been exposed to so many different disciplines. Best of luck to all of you who have decided to take the plunge. | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/27/2007 7:59:51 AM | Yes! this is me! I did one thing and another when I left school, worked for a bit, had kids - then decided that I could go to University at 35. It took another year on my planned start, but finally last September I started BA in Human Resource Management. I am so glad that I'm doing it, it's a bit of a slog at the moment but I'm now starting to write the proposal for my dissertation so it's getting more and more exciting!
I think I'm the oldest one in the class - excepting the tutors! But I always have something to say or some experience to offer and I'm getting on alright with my fellow students. If anyone's thinking of it, I'd say go for it! | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/27/2007 5:27:22 PM | I feel like I’m never going to get out of school! URGH!
Either that or I’ll be in Depends by the time I get my PhD!
I just keep telling myself…It’s all going to pay off one day! Just a little while longer!
As a single mom, I am so grateful to have such a great team! I’m blessed enough to have teenage children, who keep the coffee pot going, backrubs when I’ve been researching and writing for hours, and occasionally tuck ME in bed! It’s hard to maintain proper time management when I have to juggle my own schedule and the schedule of two active teens, work full time, teach Sunday school and still find time for studies. AND I still want a life! Just can’t help it.
No wonder I’m on a dating site!!!!! I’ve become a social recluse! LOL!
Someone  me out of my hermitism and take me out for pizza/wings/anything!
 | |
|
| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 11/27/2007 11:52:58 PM | | I am going back for a quick 6 month course in Jan to get a decent job and then hope to do part time and online to get a degree. | |
|
Home
login 
