Goin' back to school at age 32!!

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

I am going back to school.

Just got the word this morning. They will extend my unemployment benefits and allow me to go back to school, paying part of my tuition as well.

I am so friggin exicited I can hardly stay still. Well, I WAS, now I am so tired from the adrenaline rush that I am wiped out. I felt like Julia Roberts at the Oscars!

Me. At school. With kids 10+ years younger than me. I bet the instructors are my age or younger.

I feel a little sick, but in a good way. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and my kids. I will have all summer off with them, then at xmas and march break I will be home with them. Like a real mom. Wow!:smiley:

When I finish the course, I will have a nicely rounded resume to shop around. I just have to decide on the program of study… I am leaning toward Office Technology, but there are a bunch of ones that are appealing.

I know Zette has been taking some courses, but is anyone else a ‘mature student’? Any words of wisdom? What can I expect?

Should I bring my lunch or eat in the cafeteria?

What if nobody sits with me? (junior high flashback)

Should I dig out my old jean jacket and slouch in the back of the class? Or be a front row keener? :smiley:

2

But CONGRATU-FREAKIN-LATIONS!!!

You GO girl!

[funky uh-huh dance]
You go,
you go,
kellibelli,
you go,
in school,
so cool,
kellibelli,
da bomb!
[/funky uh-huh dance]

3

Welcome to the ranks of mature studentdome, kelli! I started back to school two years ago, also at 32, and have two left to go.

Go ahead and be a front row over achiever. Odds are you’ll be academically wiping the floor with your classmates, so you might as well act the part.

And, this will help take the sting out of being surrounded by all those perky, trim little 18 year olds that make you feel so damn old all day long. Not that I’m bitter.

4

Dear kellibelli,

First of all, Congratulations!!! :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

I am a 19 year old freshman at West Chester University, a fairly small school. There are many “mature” students in all of my classes and all are met with total acceptance. I for one, respect the insight and knowledge they bring to class. Also, the fact that many are already married with children to support only adds to my level of respect and admiration. Don’t worry, you won’t stand out. Just follow this timeless advice and you can’t ever go wrong…

“Just be yourself!!”

5

Kelli, that is absolutely awesome news!!

Pack a lunch. Cafeterias are usually expensive and gross! :smiley:

6

I was 31 when I started in college. I had many of the same fears and concerns that you now have. My kids were 15 and 10 and involved in numerous sports and dance and school activities and I worked full time and I had to help care for my aging in-laws who were in poor health. You could say I had a lot of stress. It was essential that I work out a system for getting organized.

I will tell you what was helpful for me.

BOOKBAG:

First invest in a good bookbag. It will be your life for the next few years. It should be large enough to carry your books, notebook, supplies–pens, calculator,post-its, etc, lunchbag, at times your purse. A handy supply of h&b items like motrin, toothbrush and stuff is really helpful, cause you will get headaches believe me.

A sturdy backpack with pockets or even a small wheeled duffel would be good. At any rate it should be large enough to organize all your stuff but still small enough to carry easily and fit under desks and things. There is nothing more irritating and time wasting than constantly searching for things or dealing with an inadequate bag.

CELL PHONE

You didn’t say how old your kids are but I found myself doing a lot of phone parenting. A cell phone would have been a godsend back then. If you don’t already have one, get one. If cost is a factor, get one of those prepaid ones and buy minutes. Keep it turned off if you can, establish a time when you will call home to check in and instruct your kids not to call you unless they are either bleeding or on fire and mean it.

SMALL CASSETTE RECORDER

You know, the little tiny ones to record lectures. Don’t waste your money on ones with a lot of bells and whistles, you won’t be saving the recordings or anything. You can spend your time listening to the instructor instead of taking excessive notes and can fill in the blanks later at home.

DAY PLANNER

Or something similar. To record schedules, deadlines or assignments.

HOW TO ACT.

As corny as it sounds be yourself. Your most self-confident yet quiet and reserved self. Wear your jean jacket if that’s what you usually wear. Sit in the front of the class–don’t slouch, look your instructor straight in the eys and ask questions, don’t wait for someone to sit next to you, sit next to them and talk about the class. Take a few snacks so you won’t be eating out of the vending machines.

OK you got all that? Now take a big breath, relax, smile. You are going to love it. You will have the added benefit that wisdom, maturity and a broader range of experience brings and you will have a stronger desire to get your money’s worth than some 18 year old kid that is only there because his/her parents are paying for it and is really only thinking about partying all the time. I’m not saying that all freshmen are like that, but there is a good percentage of them that are. It all depends on your motivation.

7

Don’t woory. Mrs. Cal is doing the same thing, and she’s older than you are. If your experience is like hers, you’ll find that you’re not alone – there are other “older kids”. You’ll also find yourself acting as an advisor, because you’ve got more experience – like an older sister or even a mom.

I think all of The Mermaid’s advice is good. We gotta get us a cell phone for keeping tabs on our little milliCal.

8

WHOO-HOO!! Way to go! I’m so proud of you. And, if you’re anything like me, you’ll love it far more than the traditional students.

I liked being closer in age to the profs than the students. I did make some great friends and really grew as a person. Man, I’m excited for you. :slight_smile:

And we can keep each other on track, okay? Because I’m pretty sure I’m going back to get my Masters. Always wanted to teach college level.

Probably the one thing that will amaze you the most is the way practical experience will kick in and help you out. Years as a mom taught me to budget time and do more than one thing at a time. Having kids also made me more serious about the things I was doing for myself.

Honey, you’re going to love it. Good for you!

9

You guys are so sweet!

Thanks alot for the tips - the cell phone one especially! The kids’ schools will have to be able to reach me.

I really wish I was going to a 4 year degree type program, but alas, I am going to ‘community college’. It was originally for trades: mechanics, nurses etc, but has broadened off into more e-business and computer stuff.

I will be taking a one or two year program of intensive study (all day, mon to fri-none of this 3 classes a day with time in between stuff like university!) and I will finish with a certificate or diploma, but not a degree.:frowning:

How I envy those who can get those letters after their names!

The best part of all this for me is that the cost will be minimal thanks to govt grants. I have to come up with a third of my tuition, and they pay my living expenses. Its a great opportunity for someone like me (single, 2 kids) I will be in school when they are… I will only need minimal child care as I will be home shortly after them, and they are old enough to understand if I have to study - they have to be quiet.

I am so excited! I will get to buy my school supplies!!! And an XMEN lunch box! :smiley:

AND!!! Since I dont have to look for work now I will be able to volunteer full time at my kids’ schools for the rest of the year! I can hardly wait - those kids are so funny!

( I want struuter to be my teacher!!)

10

Oh, congrats, Kelli!!! I used to have nontraditionally aged students in my classes and they were wonderful. You will have a great time and you will be marvelous!!!

I totally agree with those who said you should be a front row springbutt. Go for it, woman! This is your chance to shine.

11

Front row, all the way! Make the most of your learning experience—this is your chance, so don’t worry too much about what the rest of the class is doing. Bring food until you learn what to eat on campus. You will soon hook up with people to hang with between classes and such. Don’t disregard the friendship of the younger students, either…one of the cutest kids in my classes was the nicest girl, all of 18, we’d study together and just run errands sometimes and she’s still a good friend, and just 4 years older than my oldest. Lots of mature students at my school, so feel at home and ask questions. If you are asking, 5 people where curious, but didn’t have the nerve to ask----you’re doing them all a favor!

12

Kelli,
You know I went back to school in Jan and I’m having a blast. Congrats on your decision, and look for me on Yahoo when you need help with homework. You can do it! I’m so proud!

Zette :slight_smile:

13

Congrats, Kelli! Way to go! It’s really a GREAT plan!!! I remember back when I was in college, I had a few “mature students” in some of my classes, and they were always the more serious ones about learning… I respected it then, but I respect it even more now, after I screwed up and had to leave a semester from graduating.

You’re inspiring me even more, Kelli, to say that, once I get my financial responsibilities to the college squared away, that I am going to go back and complete my degree. So what if I’m a 27 year old in with a bunch of 22 year olds? I already know what I missed. Now it’s time to go back and do it right!

{{{Kelli}}}

Lots and lots and lots of good luck!

14

First off, congrats and joyous wishes and all that. I went to law school at the age of 32, and, after the initial “homework,at my age!” shock wore off, there were no problems. I found that age helped me be much less intimidated by my professors, because many were close to my own age. That’s the advice I would give to you–make friends with your teachers. They are a great resource, and not just for job hunting when you finish the classes! And don’t give up on the idea of having letters after your name someday–you’d be surprised how many scholarships and grants are out there, and once you’re in the system and proving too be a good student (you will undoubtably shine in your studies), all sorts of opportunities will open up–that’s one reason to get to know the instructors. Sure, it may take a few years longer, but when you get your college degree at say, 45, the letters will still be brand spanking new, even if your body isn’t.

Oh, and remember, part of a well-rounded college education is social activities–making time to be able to hang around with people after class and have coffee or beer and talk is valuable, too, so arrange for the babysitter to stay late every once in a while, and look for campus activities that you can bring your kids to–colleges often have little “mini-festivals”–a Spring Art-walk, the homecoming rally, a volunteer fair, sports --that kids would enjoy.

15

Kelli, yahoo for ya, hon! You’ve got a fine good mind, and sharpening it on a program will be good for ya. Best of luck, and be sure to get the lunchbox you’ve always deserved!

16

I highly recommend going to college a bit later in life. Dropping out when I was 19 on my first go-round was actually the smartest thing I ever did. When I returned at age 24 I was more prepared to be there.

My experience was that professors really liked having older students. They tended to be more serious about their studies. I rather enjoyed busting the curves on my second time around, after having nearly failed out when I first tried college.

Go for it, take no prisoners, and enjoy learning. I was never more primed for it, and got a great deal more out of my college experience than a lot of people.

17

Congratsioso!
I have been in and out of college for years pecking away at an engineering degree. No progress recently.

You have a huge advantage over your future classmates, a little life makes more difference than you would think. I’m a single parent also and the tough part is making time for study with SOO much help.

Have Fun!

18

Congratulations! I got my first B.S. at age 21, went back and got a second when I was over forty. It was much easier the second time although I had a family to care for and more responsibility. You haven’t wasted the years between high school and now; you’ve been learning all along.

Some words of advice: don’t bother taking any of those “Back to School” type classes – they’re a waste of time. By the end of the first week you’ll know all you need to know about going back to school and will have it figured out for yourself.