A few minutes ago I ask the question............?

Question

Does anyone have sound advice for a mature man going to college for the first time ever.
Update........I never stated age or anything like that, so here are
some facts. Fact # 1. I am 52yrs old. Fact # 2. I lost 1/2 of my
right leg & 1/3 of my left foot, February 1, 2005, do to frostbite.
Fact # 3. I am a recovering alcoholic. Fact # 4. I want to become
a counselor for young people, with alcohol and/or drug problems.
Fact # 5. In Jan. 2005 I was homeless on the streets of Chicago.
Wed. July 5, 2006 I have a meeting scheduled with the Health and
Counseling services; to discuss the possibility of my assistance
in helping fellow students with alcohol/drug issues.
The person in charge of the Health/Counseling, stated that she
felt my experience of life and alcoholism may be of value.
What do you good people think.?? looking for feedback.

Answer 1

Yes, I think you will be successful in dealing with students with drug and alcohol issues. You should take some counseling courses so you know how to approach them and help them. Good luck. I'm sure you will save some lives.

Answer 2

I agree, you would be a good person for counseling. One of the complaints I have read, from people with these problems, is that the counselors don't understand because they haven't been there, done that.

I hope, though, that you will continue your meetings,etc. Helping others with problems is very hard, even if you have been there done that. Are you strong enough (rhetorical question) to deal with other's problems? Can you handle defeat (some people don't want to be helped -- so in this case 'defeat' means, can you deal with the fact that maybe you can only help 1 in 10?) Are you the type that you get so involved in the problem of others that you take it home and within? If yes is the answer to these questions, then you need to reconsider - or at least accept that having been an alcoholic you will always be one (it is a sickness and you are in remission) and you do carry lots on your shoulders - with your challenges? You will need besides your meetings help from counselor yourself - which is not uncommon for people in that situation.

You would be a good social worker/counselor with some criminology. You could work for the Justice Department of a State/County Juvenile Delinquents.

BUT ALSO for the Veteran's Department - for folks who are returning from the War with lots of problems (health, mental, etc.)

GOOD LUCK!!! You are being awesome wanting to share of yourself to help others.....some would just,especially at your age, just give up...and you are looking forward.

I hope you monitor these boards and help those who need help.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear of your hardships and I think your headed in the right directions. Yes life experience plays an important role for what you want to do, but most places will be looking for some sort of formal education. I say head back to school. I'm 30 and just went back myself. It's not easy in a class of 19 year olds but you'll get a good laugh out of it. While attending school, I suggest that you volunteer at local Jr. and Sr. high schools where you can tell your story and possibly inspire a young person to change their life. I think it will help you in school and just may help someone else which seems to be the point of your endeavor. Good Luck.

Answer 4

It sounds like you already have things figured out. I think experience is the best class you could ever take.It takes a strong person to deal with the problems of youth today.You have a different perspective than some and I think it's great that you want to share that.Good Luck!I wish you the best.♥

Answer 5

Well, it sounds like you are on a roll here. You had some difficulties, but are now soaring to new heights. I started the college thing at 42. Just get ion there and stay focused. You have the drive to succeed.

Good luck!

Answer 6

My best students tend to be my most avid readers, so read.

Also, how are your computer skills? Will you need to take some basic computer courses before getting too involved with higher education? This generation of students is far most advanced technologically, and they don't realize how hard it is for older students to rely on digital technology as much as they do.

Answer 7

Interesting history. Now, tell us which part of it militates against going back to school? None of it? Well, my man, you just got your answer. Yo, I gots ten years on ya and I'm disabled and I have no problem with returning to school if and when I so choose. Niether should you. Hit them books, dude, and good on ya for making the choice!

Answer 8

Keep seeing Dr. Bob or is it Bill? Anyway, good luck. I was a scribe to a blind lady and to two quadriplegics when I was getting my MA ... you can do it, and yes, your experience, strength and hope will benefit those younger.