. d’OH!
I have failed at SEVERAL attempts at higher education (fine arts [real college]/graphic design/architecture [art school]/Architecture [real school] ) and endured myriad “Joe Jobs”: FAO Schwartz employee, Movie theater manager, Insurance company lackey, I WORKED IN A FRIKKIN’ DOLL STORE! NIGHTMARE) until at about age 37 I randomly stumbled on the idea of Pharmacy Technology. I had no idea what this was until I saw a Career College commercial while moping around watching Roseanne one day. (They time these on purpose.)
I did some research on local places offering courses and decided on one that would result in an AS degree as opposed a "certificate.’ Now, the nice thing about failing at so many other colleges is that you have credits. I was able to transfer many of these to classes, and test out of several others, bringing the cost down substantially.
Here’s the most important thing though: this was the first time in my life where I actually RELISHED getting an education. I was too old to be inhibited - I was excited. I was the first to ask the teacher to elaborate on things that interested me, question the teacher to explain more, the first to get up and do impromptu speeches, and speak up when I KNEW someone was cheating, etc.
Yeah, most of the people in my class were half my age but instead of thinking me a fuddy duddy (as I assumed they would) I think (actually know) several of them respected me. We were actually really close-knit. Not an issue you should worry about.
Did I mention “Long story short?” (LOLOL) I currently work in a hospital filling drug orders and making IVs and can go from “ho hum, I’m crediting these returned orders, ZZZZZ” and 5 minutes later make a STAT Amiodarone drip for the ER to prevent someone from dying from heart failure. I saved a life, no big whoop. Rewarding, and profitable. I live in a major metro area and the pay is nothing to sneeze at. Best is you get to make a difference in the healthcare field without having to empty bedpans, administer enemas, implant suppositories, etc.
Might be something you may want to get into. If I recall correctly it was either an 18-month or 2-year course.
I have a couple of engineering degrees, one of them includes a minor in math. I work in guidance, navigation, and line-of-sight software; and even get to program some basic robotics (4 degrees of freedom only, so I’m still an amateur 
). I often use the purplemath website as a review or reminder on how to set up basic formulas. They have some pretty good tutorials if you need to start/restart at the beginning of some concepts.
This can be our little secret, right?
I went back at age 38 and graduated at age 42 with a BS in Geology (very heavy on math, chemistry and physics). Sometimes I didn’t think I’d make it, and looking back I think I chose the wrong major - I love geology, but sometimes I’d get so stressed and frustrated I’d cry.
Take your Gen Ed classes first (stuff that will still apply if you decided to change majors) and then decide is a science path is doable. In my case, it wasn’t until my 3rd year doubts set in, but by that time I was almost there.
My advice regarding math (I was also math-phobic) is don’t try and learn it fast - go back and take the remedial math classes from the beginning and get the foundations down pat. You will need it later! When I started school they had a 2-level remedial math class series. I tested out of the first level, but later I wished I’d have taken it to make the rest (I had to take math classes through Calculus I) easier.
moejoe has some great advice. Don’t take too many credits per semester. The people who are doing 20 credits a semester for the most part live on campus, don’t work, and are fresh out of high school. 12 was a good, manageable number for me. I tried a few times to do 15, but I ended up very stressed.
I also second taking some fun electives. I also took interesting classes that didn’t count towards my major for anything but fit well into my schedule.
Yeah, this, if you can work it.
Re: Electives? This is the one thing I’ve missed out entirely in my life because of attempting to get education out of the way as soon and as fast as possible. For example, when I was at the Academy of Art they had a millinery class I would’ve KILLED to attend! Oddly enough, regretting missing that 20 years later.
Well, I’m 41 with a 7th grader (and a 3 year old) and I started back in the summer of 2010, for a science degree.
Although I did well in math in HS, I pretty much failed my entrance math tests and had to start with advanced algebra. And then geometry, pre-calc and currently, trig. Next semester I’ll FINALLY get to take calculus and I’ll only need calc2 after that. So you may want to be prepared for a lot of math before you actually get to the math you need for a science degree. I find it a lot easier than I used to though, it’s like my mind had matured and I just get it intuitively in a way I didn’t before.
Anyway, I’ve got straight As (so far, this semester is brutal) so if you’re ready to take it seriously, you’ll do fine. The professors seem to appreciate the older, ready-to-be-serious students too.
The effect on my daughter has been tremendous. She’s always been a good student (three honors classes this year) but would do stuff like skip extra credit. Well, after she saw that I only needed a 20% on my Geometry final to get an A, because I did all the extra credit, she got it. Plus, I can help her with her homework in a meaningful way now. She learns about density in her Physical Science class and I say, “Density is how I knew I was going to light water on fire after my (failed) distillation lab!” My passion for it has increased her passion and it’s a good thing. 
Have fun! I’m having a great time!
I would advise you to think carefully about your choice of field. I’m a physics professor and I have a lot of students in my physics classes who there because they are interested in pursuing graduate education in physical therapy / occupational therapy. This is a path that requires a lot of physical science classes, including my algebra-based physics class. It concerns me that you said you failed algebra–if you were in my physics class, I would worry about your ability to pass the class. Make sure you can pass an algebra/trig class before embarking on a physical therapy path.
I would never discourage you from going back to school, of course–just make sure you understand the requirements for the subject before you leap into anything.
And before you start with a CC curriculum, consider what 4-year or other school you’ll probably be heading into after that to see how credits will transfer; my school, for example, will let an AA degree fulfill all the general ed core classes, but an AS degree doesn’t do the same.
Glad to be of help!
Here’s something else of a practical nature: building on what you know.
Which is shoes and feet, right? How about something podiatric- or orthopedic-related?
There is a large population of people with mobility issues – injuries (including sports-related), arthritis, stroke damage – or a condition-management need for exercise – diabetics, cardiac/pulmonary patients, weight-loss.
Being able to walk comfortably can be the difference between getting around or being house-bound, or even life and death.
So you might add that to your list of possibilities, to be thought over while you are working on those basics that we are all encouraging you to pound.
That is an EXCELLENT point. Also, check regularly. I need a couple of biology classes that, in 2010, I could take at my current CC. Now, there is no equivalent at my school and I have to transfer before I can take them.
Also keep on top of your transfer requirements. I’m in California and my desired four year school won’t take transfer students with under 60 credit hours and no more than 90. And buy books online (if you can), they’re MUCH cheaper.
I went back to school at 41 (I just turned 42 this past week). I’m a single mom, work full time, and my daughter has several after-school activities. I’m going online so I do most of my work after my daughter goes to bed. It’s been difficult but I’m four classes from finishing. I never thought I could do it but I’m doing it. Just take it one class at a time and you’ll be fine.
Good luck to you!
Among other things I have taught remedial math at a community college. Many of my students were your age. Many employed single mothers. I did my best by them.
All of this is true. I’m 42, go to uni 3/4 and work full time.
You are never too old to do what you want to do. I am living proof. I finished Basic Training for the Army at 31 years old.
Good luck, and you can copy off my homework anytime.
SFC Schwartz
Wow, thanks for all the replies! So, it’s true what I’ve been reading: that the number of older adults returning to school is significantly rising. Sounds like I’m quite likely to meet some fellow students around my age. You guys are inspiring to me.
This may take some time to respond to everyone. This is going to be a bit long.
@TheTerribleTako I’m thrilled that I made an impression on you. That’s what I’m hoping to make a career out of doing. I hope you’re enjoying the FiveFingers. I’m still running in mine and I just picked up a new pair for trail running.
Ah, cool, you’re doing nutrition! (I’d like to friend up with you.) I’ve been looking more closely at career paths and I’m really excited about a nutrition degree with sports physiology. It covers both worlds and they really go well together. Here’s a great example of a career that excites me (dunno if I’m quite as ambitious as Nancy Clarke, however). I’ve found programs that fit. It does seem like quite an undertaking though and I guess I’ll know better if this is realistic once I get into some classes. But you totally nailed it.
@moejoe You’ve given me hope that I can overcome my lack of confidence in math. Assuming I test appropriately, I’m expecting to land in a pre-algebra class at first and that’s just fine with me. In the meantime, I’m going to be brushing up on basic math and pre-algebra concepts. My daughter, who tells me math is her strong suit, is so eager to help! Whaddya know? 
Thinking it might be a good idea to see a psychologist about overcoming the fear and intimidation I feel about math. I really have to do this because when I think back to where I started to go wrong in my youth and realize I’d given up on my dreams early because I was afraid I couldn’t survive math. Sadly, I could have been my generation’s Sylvia Earle, but alas, it was not to be. 
Your advice is invaluable. Thank you. As for electives and branching out, my CC doesn’t offer the dream classes, but there’s a forensic science class that caught my eye. I am a forensic TV show junkie. I’ve also always wanted to learn guitar (and music is math for your ears, right?), so if I can get into a beginning guitar class that’d be neat…or music appreciation as an alternative.
Congratulations on your accomplishments!
@pullin Thanks for the link. Ther’s a great big list of links there as well and I found some very helpful videos at brightstorm. Oh, and mum’s the word. 
@Hanna Barring better advice from the admissions counselor, I’m leaning heavily toward the associate in science program, despite the fact that I’m somewhat apathetic with respect to the English and Humanities requirements. shrug I am looking forward to learning new things, though, so it’s alright.
You are absolutely right about the importance of establishing a good foundation in math. I can live with starting lower than most. It’s been a long time since I was staying after school to get algebra tutoring. WRT credits, the downside is I will have to work while going to school (at least until husband is called off the bench), so I don’t think I’ll be able to take a full load anyway and I’m certainly not a masochist. But I’m bummed that it’ll take that much longer to get through 62 credit hours and I won’t even be half done. It’s a long road at a slower pace. The classes I’ve tentatively picked for first semester total 13 CR.
@QuarkChild I like science. A lot. Always have. But I didn’t have a tremendous amount of confidence in my abilities as a youth. I would like to think that I am capable of “getting it”, but I’m well aware that it’s going to be a difficult challenge to overcome. I do appreciate your perspective and will give it serious consideration. Although it seems almost impossible at this point, I’d like to see myself one day doing quite well in trig and physics classes. I don’t want to be afraid of it. I want to own it. Like a boss.
Do you think math phobes can become math geeks? Danica McKellar seems to think so.
@capybara You bring up a very good point. I’d just assumed I’d continue on to a local 4-year. But I don’t necessarily want to stay in Charlotte, though I can’t imagine being able to afford an out-of-state school. Then there’s uprooting the family…difficult decision. But I’m not certain I’m going to find the exact program I’m looking for locally. Going to have to do some research.
@FeAudreyI have considered podiatry (almost immediately), but my interest in unconventional methods has given me a somewhat negative impression of podiatry. It seems so rooted in tradition and not all that innovative in practice, but I very well have a narrow, ignorant view of it. I could be wrong, however, and I mean no disrespect to practicing podiatrists. But yeah, I’ve learned more about the human foot, structure and biomechanics, as a result of my interest in sport footwear than I ever thought I would. It would seem to be a natural fit.
I now have an extensive list of possible career paths. I feel like the world just opened up to me again.
I bow to both of you and your obviously superior abilities and dogged determination. I’m reminded of a quote I found awhile back attributed to Rupert Hughes, historian, author, composer, film-maker, and uncle to aviation’s misfit, Howard Hughes: “A determined soul will do more with a rusty monkey wrench than a loafer will accomplish with all the tools in a machine shop.”
SSG Schwartz, 31? Nonsense! You were barely out of boundless energy and puppy chow when you completed Army Basic training. 
Go for it! 
All of you are babies compared to these guys and they did ok: Ph.D. at 61 and Ph.D. at 81! :eek:
I think you’re amazing, definitely go for it! It sounds like you have a passion
Hilariously, I went to uni after working for several years, making me a “mature student”. I think it entitles me to use the lift or something :S
Regarding the algebra, in my experience there is really no such thing as “not being good at maths/languages/etc”. Granted, maybe there is a slight difference in being predisposed combined with more interest, but in my experience teaching I have always found that to be so overemphasized! I taught & tutored English as a foreign language. Most people I tutored truly believed they were “bad at languages”. I never encountered anyone who I couldn’t teach English really easily to a really high level. The most important thing is that everyone learns in a different way, and schools have very little opportunity to properly acknowledge & act on that. You were probably never patiently taught algebra by someone who appreciated that everyone learns in a different way.
This happened so often to people I taught, they would have encountered a teacher trying to drill in grammar and it had just never clicked for them, convincing them they were bad at languages. I say: there is no such thing!
Good luck!!
Update: I found a math tutor in an engineering student with whom I work willing to trade decent home-cooked meals for tutoring. As he is a very nice person to be around, I’m already considering what I’ll cook for him.
Wow, good deal Brown Eyed Girl I live with two engineers, and today I learned something about what to do about the central heating (or something, but at least I know what to do when the dial drops down! :S)
I make yummy food in return, though Joe is an excellent cook himself.
Useful people, those engineers 