LIFE AT COLLEGE WHEN YOUR 44

It's going to be okay!

I went to a community college when I was in my 30s and ended back up there when I was 44. Second time around was as an adjunct teaching one of the courses I took.

There are so many variables on what makes it okay. Some junior colleges have significant older student populations. Four-year institutions have had increasing older enrollments, as well. Around here 30-40% of the classes are older student.

If you are worried that you've forgotten math, etc you can stop worrying now. Very few student coming out of high school are prepared for college level work.

You started this conversation, now fill us in on the rest of the story.....

 

Samplewow,

my mother in law is going back to college also and she's in her early 50s, so you're not alone!

You can do it! When you're 44 your brain is actually turned ON, unlike when some of us were in our 20s and tried it the first time.

=)

 

Samplewow - It's going to be okay!
The first few weeks are the hardest, trying to get used to the new routine, then everything will fall into place.
Look for other "mature" students. If you can find at least one other to talk with and realize that you are not the only one who feels overwelmed, then you will feel better.
I went to college as a "mature" student also. I had to "back-up" and cover some old ground by taking earlier math classes (that didn't even count for credits toward my degree) just to get caught-up.
Don't bite-off more than you can chew in the beginning. My first semester I only took 12 credit hours, just enough to be considered full-time. This was only 4 classes, which don't sound like much, but until you get situated, and recover your study habits you'll need to take it easy. Then, after I got the hang of it, I caught-up by taking summer classes and piled-on classes in my third year (one semester I took 22 credit hours).
Between classes spend some time at the student union (or whatever your school calls the "common area" building, where the coffee shop / study area is), or library, and meet some fellow students. Look for people in the same courses that you're taking so that you can study together.
It's going to be alright - Hang in there, it's worth it.

 

It's going to be OK! I waited until I was married with kids to get my undergrad. It took a while to get in the groove, but it was well worth the experience.

Then I went back again in my 30's to get a graduate degree. I was working full time and had teenagers! Yikes! It was great.

You'll be fine!

 

Sample

 

WELCOME,

JUST FOR your information, some folks will not like your leaving your caps locked like THIS.

School isn't that bad.

The hard part is listening to youth that cannot elucidate upon why your english is wanting ...

Oh well ...

 

Everyone is filling you with false hope. You are in big trouble. What were you thinking.

If you don't like my take on this get off the inter-net and go do your studies

Been there at fsb, there is nothing to do in that town, what can you find to do? Watch the grass grow, watch the wind blow the crops into Nebraska, sit on the highway and wait all day to see a car? Come on all there is to do around there is work and study

Know several students made it through so you can too.

My wife is 57 and doing some accounting classes and loving it.

 

I think it would be better to use no caps at all.

Deciding to go to college was the difficult part.

The experience will be worthwhile and rewarding.

 

It'll be okay. Make sure you set boundaries and priorities. I finished most of my education after I was an . It was much easier.

You'll do fine.

 

Don't quit. I didn't get by BA until I was 46. I started in my 30s at a community college. Then we were transferred overseas for four years. When we got back, I finished the last two years.

I will ALWAYS take some class or another that I am interested in. I don't think someone is ever too old to do whatever they set their minds to.

Have fun!!!!!!!!

 

You are 44? Man, you are old!!!

But not to old to learn! Good for you for being in school!

 

I didnt start until my 30's either and am now close to my Masters in Education. All this while working for Uncle Sam who seems intent on sending me to every part of the globe long enough for me to miss an assignment. So far, Ive mastered the art of a backup plan.

I once took ski lessons from a man who spoke little English. His helper instructed in the best ways to hold the poles, how to crouch, and which ways to point the skis, and he just said "okay lets go" and turned around and took off down the mountain. We all followed and after a few close calls, we got it.

He said later that the only way to really now how to do something, is to just do it.

Youve already been to school and understand how it goes, so now just open the book and get it done.

See you at the ski lodge.