topic Re: Going back to school in Community Chat

Going back to school

Mellie32 — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:53:13 GMT

I'm doing that this fall. Anyone else taken college classes after being out of college for over 10 years?

Re: Going back to school

Noreen — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:59:47 GMT

I went to nursing school in my fifties. I was the only one in class with a smallpox vaccine!

Anyway, I loved it.

Re: Going back to school

Peaches McPhee — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:03:42 GMT

Not quite 10 years, but almost. I had to take a refresher math class for adult learners who could not remember their algebra.

Re: Going back to school

Lilysmom — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:11:57 GMT

@Mellie32, good for you. I graduated with my Masters degree twenty years after my undergrad degree. Go for it! LM

Re: Going back to school

2blonde — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:18:51 GMT

I work in the admissions office of a community college, and we have students from 13 to 80 attending here. Come on back.......you'll love the interaction with younger people.......really!

Re: Going back to school

beckyb1012 — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:21:40 GMT

I went back after 14 years of being a Mom and housewife. When my son started middle school I wanted to be able to go back to work when he started high school and I made all my goals. Tomorrow he turns 33 and is now a parent. Time goes by so quickly so do not let it slip by without chasing your dreams. It is scary but I loved every minute of it. Dropped five pounds each semester hauling that back pack around campus. Loved putting it back on during the summer and winter breaks.

Have fun and good luck, you will not regret it.

Re: Going back to school

flickerbulb — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:27:54 GMT

Yes! I have done it twice!

Finished a second Master's last year and completed the first one 9 years before.

Once you get into the groove and sort things out, it will be a piece of cake!

Most of my classmates were people who had been working for years and were returning for the advanced degree.

It was fun! Good luck and enjoy!

Re: Going back to school

Glitter51 — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:43:40 GMT

I did!!! I'm currently in my 2nd year of nursing school. When I first started, I was extremely nervous, but now, it's no big deal!! Go for it!!! You have nothing to lose.

Re: Going back to school

Q4u — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:48:50 GMT

Good for you!!! I remember being in a Speech class with a lady in her 80's! She was incredible, fit right in and enjoyed the students and we enjoyed her. I forget why she was taking speech classes but she intended to utilize them for something she was doing that entailed getting up in front of people. She did great. LOL... she ended up leaving a little more "Hippy" than she came, but hey Birkis and Flower embroidery were in then.....

I'm considering Gemology. I've always seriously loved rocks and becoming a certified gemologist was something I always thought was up my alley. With classes already in Geology I think I'm partially there....

I don't think anyone's too old for school, especially if you love learning.....

Re: Going back to school

StylishLady — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 21:48:12 GMT

Another cheerleader for education at any age here. I dropped out of high school at 16 and went to work. Married late, had four children. DH asked me if I wanted to get my GED, and I did. After that I got a 2 year degree in accounting, followed by my BS at the age of 55. My last two years I lived on campus as a full time student. Was hard work, but also a lot of fun. Good luck on your journey.

Re: Going back to school

LonestarBabs — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 21:56:43 GMT

Congratulations!!!

I am just now finishing my PhD, which I have been pursuing part time while working full-time and funding it all myself for the last 8 years. Before that, I was working full-time and pursued my masters degree for 10 years -- paid for most of it myself.

I have loved the academic experience every step of the way. It can be difficult, but your brain will always be engaged!

Re: Going back to school

phoenixbrd — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 23:14:29 GMT

YES, one of the few things that can't be taken from you....an education! I received my BA at an older age and went back for a masters over 30 years later! I'm still considering a Phd and reviewing different schools for costs. I've done this while working full time and having other plates full. You can do this and feel so rewarded when you get your degree. I hope you don't let others or their perception of you for doing this at a later age (I've faced this discrimination; however, never from classmates) stop you. Stay strong and focused in your goals and always keep in mind that the time will pass no matter, so keep pursuing your dreams. Find people who will support you, as there will be times when you want to give up....DON't. I always encourage education. Sometimes I will encourage a person to obtain their degree at a later age, and it opens a possibility that they never considered. They are so grateful and surprised to have the support and confirmation that they are capable and by no means should they let age stop them from pursuing an education. I am so proud of the women on this board and you will have so much respect for yourself. Go sister!

Re: Going back to school

maestra — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 23:13:13 GMT

I went back to school @ 32 yrs. old-night school, w/a 5 year old and as a single mother. I worked from 7-3 as a very poorly paid pre-school teacher , school from 4-10 (my Mom, who is a saint helped.)

Finished BA in 2.5 years-magna ****** laude. M.Ed in 18 months on deans list most of the way (I had a Math class that skewed my GPA. ).

Family members told me I was being a professional student, getting my m.Ed. It wasnt necessary; but has proven to be the best investment of time and money in my career as an educator. Looking back, I think I had lost my mind at the time.

Go for it.

Re: Going back to school

Mz iMac — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 23:26:29 GMT

@StylishLady

@StylishLady wrote:
Married late,
How late is late for marriage?

My last two years I lived on campus as a full time student.
Did you sneak your DH into your dorm room at night before the doors locked???

Re: Going back to school

151949 — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 23:41:47 GMT

When my husband died I was 30 yr old and I went back to get my BS in nursing because the hospital apid my tuition.

Re: Going back to school

StylishLady — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:03:45 GMT

I was going on 29 when I was married to DH, over 52 years ago. In those days it was like being an old maid. Funny comment about DH visiting me when I was a full time student. I had a single room in a "special" dorm for "older" students. DH would visit on most weekends. He joked about "shacking up" with a college girl.

It certainly was a different time for the both of us, but I have fond memories.

Re: Going back to school

SeaMaiden — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:07:18 GMT

So wowed by you ladies going back to school and achieving so much! I feel guilty as I never had a great desire for furthering my education. In fact I can not imagine studying or taking tests..... Again

Re: Going back to school

LonestarBabs — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:20:47 GMT

It's never too late. I have an aunt who keeps telling me that "going to school at your age is silly. Why do that? To get a better job? No one is going to want to hire you at your age - you need to be thinking about retirement and not spending money on tuition. You're too old."

You will hear naysayers along the way. Don't be dissuaded or discouraged.

I'm 57 -- to quote from a famous scene in a Monty Python movie: "I'm not dead yet!"

Re: Going back to school

tansy — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:37:09 GMT

Uh-oh. More student loans to pay down.

Re: Going back to school

Q4u — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:49:45 GMT

@tansy wrote:
Uh-oh. More student loans to pay down

LOL.... just think of it as car payments...