Some anxieties about going back to 'school'.

[StarMan]

The last time I did any study was ten years ago. Since then I have worked in the hospitality industry. It was meant to be a temporary career until I found what I really wanted to do. Well, as I approach my 30th I've stepped away from the industry and have pondered what direction to head next.

In all likelihood some study will be involved - be it a few months or a couple of years depending on the path I take.

But I do have some anxieties. It has been a while since I've studied. I will also be an adult student - why that niggles at me I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps I have a mental image that everyone around me will be 18-19.

I flat with a couple of guys - no kids or dependents. So ... am I just putting up roadblocks because I'm venturing outside my comfort zone?

 

[Kestra]

It was weird for me to go back to school, but I adapted pretty quickly and found myself enjoying it. A lot of people were surprised to learn my age. It's weird at times, but overall a good thing. I even made some good friends after going back to school.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

There are a lot of adult students these days, probably far more than you're expecting.

I went to graduate school in my mid- and late-thirties. Got better grades than I ever had, because I was more motivated -- I was there because I wanted to be, not just because it was expected. It sounds like that might apply to you, too.

 

[Snaploud]

There are plenty of statistics out there regarding student-age and individual colleges. There are some places in which you would be out-of-place and others where you would be the norm. It's just a matter of finding the right fit.

 

[Shanndee]

I went back to school in my mid thirties. It took a lot of self discipline to get back into studying and meeting deadlines, but the skills came back quickly once I put my mind to it. Like Tora Ziyal, I got better marks than I ever had before.

In classes of about 100 students, I did meet a few people my age. It also didn't take long to meet the more mature 18 and 19 year olds who were dedicated to the field of study and wanted to do well. Participate in a few study groups and you might find yourself surprised at how many common interests you share!

Good luck!

 

[Peach Wookiee]

The last academic class I took was in 2010. While I adored my prof, I just... don't think I'm meant for truly academic classes anymore...

 

[propita]

Don't worry that they're younger. Yeah, they might have more energy, sometimes. But you are likely to be more focused than most of them. And your years of life experience DO give you an edge. You'll see the kids having a lot of angst that youve gotten through (hopefully).

I went back to finish my BA at age 40. I had a blast! I wish I had skipped law school but stayed at college, just taking classes.

 

[Lord Garth]

I worked at a community college for four years (2007-2011). Here was the age breakdown, roughly:

50% Under 21
20% 21-29
30% 30 or older

Many of the best students were older. They take it more seriously. It's not 13th grade to them.

 

[StarMan]

Thank you all for your input - greatly appreciated.

 

[Finn]

Good luck. I had recently finished my second round of college. I may get my new career job in Louisiana soon.

I too got better grades than before... and a wife

 

[ThankQ]

There are a lot of adult students these days, probably far more than you're expecting.

I bet it's like when you get a new car and notice everyone else has your new car. As teens we probably didn't notice most of the non-trad students, but once you are one I bet you see them all over.

 

[propita]

Oh, and the instructors/profs REALLY appreciate students who are there to learn. I was thanked by over a half dozen teachers for just being there, obviously ready and eager to learn. They can see the difference from the front of the room. And people online? Painfully obvious to the teacher.