| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 12/30/2007 11:24:48 AM | | I am currently in my final year of school to receive my degree as a medical assisstance. However, I was in my late 20's when I went back and at that time I was married with two young childern who were just starting school themselves. Now it is 4 years later and I am 31, legally separated awaiting my divorce, I had to move into a cheaper place (at the beginning of last term) because of being a single mom with two kids and a full-time student, I could no longer manage to keep up with the bills and provide for my girls in the way I thought I should. I accepted a position on a part-time bases helping develope and impliment quality assurance guidelines within the community college educational system and will be continuing to take on a 100% course load with co-op in my final term. It is a lot of work and none of it is easy, there's days when getting out of bed seems like to hard of a task to complete but you do it. You do it for you, for your children, for a better life, a better career and mostly because you know at the end of the day you can be proud that you aren't ever going to be one of those people that just watches as your life and opportunities pass you by but rather, you are going to be one of those people that makes life happen. | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 12/30/2007 7:25:34 PM | I went to school in my late 20's and graduated in a degree for the computer field. I love it but I feel my passion is towards helping others and medicine. Now I'm in my 30's and in the next few years I'll be going for a nursing degree. A friend of mine is going for that same line of work in his 40's.
I love learning new things as I get older. When I was in my teens and early to mid 20's I had no mind for school. I have a better appreciation for it now. | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/22/2008 2:53:13 AM | First of all, good for you! It's a scary step and I'd be a rich woman if I had a dime for everyone I've heard saying that they'd love to go back to school...followed by a string of excuses as to why they can't. I'm too lazy to come up with excuses so I just went back lol. I'm a senior in the summer, and will hopefully graduate in the spring (provided the last few classes I need are availible when I need them). I'll be 31.
I'm not going to lie, being a single mum with children and trying to cram in all the study time you need as well as make a living is not easy. It is however, so worth it. There have been some days over the last couple of years that I would have been willing to sell a kidney for a few extra hours sleep, but you just keep plowing through and trust that when this is all over you'll not only be a stronger person, with a career you love, and a better means to provide for your children....but you'll also never suffer from insomnia lol.
I think it's been good for my girls in a way too. They see me doing whatever it takes to make something of my life that I'm proud of. We do our homework together and make the most of what time we can spend together around my work and school schedule and I think that all of those things make a good impression on them. I want my girls to be strong, independant women, and I'm pretty sure I'll get my wish. :) | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/22/2008 1:25:17 PM | Graduated from UdeM in 93 at 26 y/o with a BA in Ed. Major industrial technologies and minor in physics. After 10 years on the job went for a 5th certificate in computer science ed. online with UdeQuébec while still working full-time. Now I'm waiting to get an answer from NBCC to take an introductory course in general welding (gas, arc, TIG and MIG) for the rest of this winter since my teaching contract finishes on the 29th of this month. Yup! nowadays one has to keep recycling or take new avenues to make himself (herself) more employable in almost any domain of work. I find it's all good though.
Ray | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/22/2008 10:20:49 PM | There is nothing wrong with going back to school at any age. I graduated from nursing school at 42 years of age. My family was very proud of me. It was difficult in that I'm a single mom of three who had to work at the same time. Anything is possible you just have to believe in yourself, stay focused and just go for it. Congrats | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/23/2008 6:33:51 AM | | I'm close to 30 and considering graduate school. I was focused on quickly getting undergraduate studies done in my 20's, with a vocational aim in mind. Now as I approach 30 there are more options I can do, and my understanding of things is working at a higher level than in the past. I plan to hopefully have a good graduate degree (Bachelor of Laws or M.A. and Ph.D. ) before I am 35 and I think that should be complemented later on by studies of some sort in science, which is an old love of mine that I would love to do in more detail. | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/23/2008 8:37:42 AM | Go for it! (if you haven’t done so already LOL… This is an old thread)
I'm a teacher, and I remember the oldest person I was teaching Maths to was a Psychology student in her 60's LOL! A really nice woman. Been through a lot. She had lots of kids and she sounded to me like one of those people that always wanted to go to University but unfortunately kids and the resulting shotgun marriage got in the way.
Anyway, I thought she was brave and although she was terrified of Maths, she gave it her best shot. I'll never forget her and I admired her for her belief that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Thanks to her, it is my hope to go back to University again one day (I’m age 35). Maybe to do a Ph.D. in my field (Theoretical Physics) or maybe even Politics and Philosophy. My mind still feels fresh and young and it's true what they say, you only lose your mental abilities if you fail to use them.
The Great Einstein was STILL grappling with some of the most difficult questions in Physics when he was on his death bed (he died aged 76), so it just goes to show that our minds, so long as we keep using them, are still effective even when we're very old.
Good Luck! | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/24/2008 10:36:15 AM | | I love this thread! One is NEVER too old to go back to school! If anyone is shy about going then I would recommend starting out part-time...to break yourself in because as someone mentioned on here, the brain has to "adjust" but adjust it will. :) AND you meet so many different people during class and in the surround areas(library, lounge, etc)...it also helps a person feel that he or she is a part of something and has a future to look forward to. :) | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/25/2008 9:20:00 PM | It's a lot of work and it takes a ton of time, but you can do it. As long as you will benefit from it, (good pay or the job you want) go for it. If you are doing it just to say you did, i would wait until you are older and the kids are grown, it is a ton of work getting a degree. You can kiss your free time good bye for the most part! (i am only half way done with a 4 year degree and it is hard to do while working and being a single parent)
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/26/2008 8:26:59 PM | OP....I just turned 37 and in September I will be attending Mc Master university to complete my Bachelor of Science degree that has been on hold for many years. I have contemplated this decision for a few years now and feel my children are old enough to handle the changes.
Kudos to all of you for taking that step forward to better your education.....it is truly NEVER to late to get a education. | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/29/2008 5:57:41 PM | | I posted on this thread on the first page. I finished up school in May. Got hired in August and just got a promotion. Doing better than ever financially but best of all I'm happier than I was in my former career. I damned proud of myself for taking the leap, blowing the dough and finishing up. Although I think I've found a home, I'm ready to jump again if I need too. Don't fear the reaper.... | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/29/2008 11:33:15 PM | *Cringes* Being a single mom is extremely difficult! Got my Counselor Technician a couple of years ago, and I've gone back to school and on my way to hopefully getting my Associates and then on to Bachelors either in Comm. Psych. or Social Work. Not only that but I have a full time job, two girls who are also busy with after school programs (8 combined) and going to Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife Canada, not to mention performances or competitions, have to start building my house this spring - this housing program is like Habitat Housing, you have to earn so many hours. Having a foster child who never had routine, chores, or had no consequences is time consuming. But she's one heckuva girl who excels in what she's determined to do once set in motion.
It's well worth it though because my one and only considers me her role model. Can't beat that eh? | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/31/2008 6:48:46 AM | | I'm 35 and just finished my a full time 2 year program in business. It definitely was scary, but I learned so much more then just what I was studying. The 'youth' that you are surrounded by makes you aware of so much more! Best experience ever ! | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/31/2008 8:49:24 AM | I dropped out of High School and got married at 17. . . after what felt like an entire lifetime, I went back to school at 29 and got an AS as a commercial pilot and a BA in Business and Interpersonal Communications. I found that I was very focused (compared to those around me) and did very well. All of the other returning students in my classes had the same experience.
One thing I learned... students fresh out of High School were in college to screw around and stretch their wings, NOT learn... I TRIPLE that assessment for students who have their mommies and daddies paying for their school. Talk about a waste of time and money.
I highly recommend college for ANY adult who wants to learn in an intense environment... you are much more prepared for it NOW then you could have been at 18.
James, Port Orchard, Washington, USA, Earth | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/31/2008 5:52:59 PM | | I went back to school. I graduated with a diploma and decided to continue on and get my degree. I'm so glad I did. If my marriage of over 10 yrs and divorce since 2001 has taught me anything is that sometimes you need do things for you. Besides education is one thing NO ONE can ever take from you. LOL! Good Luck! | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 1/31/2008 9:22:55 PM | *raises hand* I returned to school because of a divorce. Like you, I was married for most of my 20's. I worked up until I had my son and I never worried about a career because my ex and I had decided I would stay home to raise our son. Well life is funny and never turns out as we plan so I ended up having to return to school in order to plan for my future. It was the best decision of my life! I think it's never too late to work on your education or career goals. I am so glad I have. I graduate in June and I will have finished the program I am in then as well too. I will be able to start my new career.
Best wishes to you! | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 2/2/2008 2:11:35 AM | | I am currently in university, 1 more year to go for my degree. At first I was scared to death but it was definately the right move. Of course now that I only have a year to go I am considering graduate studies. Odds are I will be 40 or close to it by the time I am done, but I don't really care. This is something I am doing for me. | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 2/2/2008 3:04:01 AM | | I'm sort of in your shoes...I'm divorced and I have a 7 year old child. I want to go back to school and be a teacher. I think it's the perfect career for a mother....when you are at work then your child is in school, when she is off then usually you are too. I just don't see how I can do it...My daughter is 7 years old and I guess I haven't figured out how to balance the bills of going back to school, I don't have many people to help in watching her so it's mostly just the two of us...I'd be interested to know how you pulled this off...feel free to even send me a message in my profile. :) | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 2/2/2008 12:34:52 PM | | After raising my daughter primarily by myself until she was 12 and I figured she would be OK not having Mommy around so much. It was a very long process I started when I was 30 retaking my grade 12 because the one I had taken through community college years before was no longer accepted. It was helpful though and I discovered that I was very good at science, especially chemistry. I started the Chemical Technology program when I was 33. It was intense and I did nothing but study for 3 years but I know I would never have had the focus or determination to do it earlier. Of a class that atarted with over 30 students, fastfowarded 3 years to graduation and there are only 8, I was among them. I have a great position and truly like my job. It is so worth it. I think when you go back to school as a mature student you already understand some of the basic, discipline, self sacrifice, moderation and it make the experience much more rewarding. I would encourage anyone thinking of going back to school in there 30 to go for it. | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 2/2/2008 12:48:33 PM | If going back to school is something you want to do, don't let anything stand in the way. Age shouldn't really be a factor! I have a few good friends who are 35 and older who are going back to school and loving it. I met my current best friend at college about two years ago, she's in her 50's and graduates at the end of this year.  | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 2/2/2008 2:53:21 PM | | I'm a single mum, i returned to uni when my daughter was 2 to study law and forensics, i think you are doing a brilliant thing and you will be so proud of yourself when you finish it, its an amazing feeling to accomplish a degree while being a full time single mum .. well done to you | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 2/4/2008 4:19:06 PM | | After a ten year hiatus, I finally got off my ass, did what needed to be done and am currently going back to school. I must say I really like, but I have always liked college. Now all I gotta do is figure out what I want to do with my life. One thing that has made things a bit complicated for me is that I scheduled my classes around my work schedule and at the time I was working from 2pm to 10pm. Well they stuck me on nights910pm to 6am), and my classes start at 9am. Basically I go home, sleep for a bit, get up and go to class, then come back home and go to bed. When I get up I have to do homework, and other stuff around the house that needs to be done. It dosent leave me much time, but I have to admit going back to school is so far a fun challenge and I love learning. Only regret is that I wish I would have been more focued about 10 years ago, I could have had my degree by now. | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 2/4/2008 4:34:01 PM | I'm currently working towards a degree in international trade. Its tough juggling work and school. I couldn't imagine being a solo parent and doing it, kudos to you.
A sure sign of a good catch | |
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| Going back to school in your 30's....
Posted: 2/6/2008 12:52:58 PM | | Yes, I have also started back to college. I have to say that College Algebra is kicking my butt... lol.. I enjoy all my classes. I am juggling full time classes, home, and children . It's a lot of work, but sticking with it. Good Luck to you. | |
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