I am planning to go back to school to study history after being out of school, in this case college, since 1987. Is it a good idea to study history education and teach especially at my age? I would only need 3 more years to finish, not 2 because I am changing majors. Any thoughts?
2006-07-09 08:28:32 · 34 answers · asked by kepjr100 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Anyone who wants a degee should go back to college, no matter what. Many schools have programs for non-traditional aged students. Go for it!
2006-07-09 08:31:25 · answer #1 · answered by ndtaya 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford to go, then do it. Taking history, unless you are going to be a history teacher or politician is an interesting choice, but if you don't have to worry about a profession, then it really doesn't matter what you study. There is an infinite requirement for education of all kinds in this world. If more people understood the REAL history of this country, then the cries of why are we so disliked in the world would fade into understanding.
PS I am 53 and have been a software developer for 35 years. I retired at 50 for 3 years and then changed careers to install sensors into highways. I am contemplating going to school next spring to take nuclear medicine...no worries mate!
2006-07-09 08:40:11 · answer #2 · answered by sleeplessinslo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although much depends on what sort of responsibilities you have in your life, I would say go for it! I am 51 and just now writing my doctoral dissertation in Medieval history. It takes some planning and discipline to return to college as an older student, but it can be done. You will need a lot of motivation, self-discipline and persistence. Try to plan your day so that you have household time, study time and time for yourself. Then, as much as possible, stick to your schedule. As for job possibilities, it depends what educational level you plan to teach at, your area of interest and where you live. A history degree will provide you with a solid background in the ability to read, synthesize knowledge, research a problem or question and the ability to write and think clearly. I went back to school at 35. I was a widowed mom with a daughter. It wasn't always easy, but I am glad that I did it. There is real joy in expanding your horizons in an area that you love. Good luck!!
2006-07-09 09:29:03 · answer #3 · answered by lady_historian 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say absolutely yes! I am thirty and I plan to attend college when my youngest is in school. I have a great aunt who did not go to college until her children were all graduated from high school. She was able to become a teacher and has had a long career. It is interesting how the internet can make this a much simpler process as well. Also to add to what the others have said; history is connected to writing and the best writers are often older people. They amass ( over the years) knowledge and experience younger people do not. I don't know if I'm trying to convince you or me..lol. Still-- Good luck. (to us both)
2006-07-09 09:14:34 · answer #4 · answered by girlfriday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going back to school opens far more doors and windows of opportunity than you might think. I retired six years ago and now try to take at least one new course of study each semester. You get to meet all these new young faces and witness their efforts for starting and continuing their careers.
A bachelors degree in any subject will aid your career choice because it tellls prospective employers that you had the will necessary to finish the task. About the only thing you can do with a Liberal Arts degree[history] is teach or write.
Good luck
2006-07-09 08:37:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Henry Ford is quoted as saying "if you think you can or if you think you can't - either way you're right".
To apply that logic - it all depends on what you think.
If you think you're too old - then you are and you will find a way to prove youself correct. If you think you're not - you will also prove yourself right.
Colonel Sanders started franchising KFC's at the age of 65 with the assistance of a $105.00 social security check.
Grandma Moses started painting in her 70's because of arthritis.
Churchill saved the world when he was an old man.
Henry Miller published Tropic of Cancer when he was 44.
Anthony Burgess published "A clockwork Orange" when he was 39.
Give it a shot and be like Dorothy - click your heels and make a big wish for yourself and then act on it if you actually believe with all of your heart that it is what YOU want to do .
2006-07-09 08:48:02 · answer #6 · answered by John P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an excellent idea to go back to school to get a history degree. I assume you plan to be a high school history teacher. Yes, it's a very good idea to continue your education at any age. You can do it! It will expand your world and open up opportunities to you that you didn't know existed.
2006-07-09 09:17:59 · answer #7 · answered by MTSU history student 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think it is never too late to better oneself through education. I went back to school at 35 and got my history degree. It was especially difficult since I was/am married, and had a new child. I delivered newspapers at night and went to school during the day. It was a tough two years, but I am extremely glad I did. The world views you differently when you have a degree.
I think you are smart to get a degree in something you find interesting. That alone will keep you engaged when you are tempted to slack off.
There is a major advantage of going to school at a later age. Hopefully by this time, you've developed the discipline necessary to see it through. What baffled me at 19 is no problem today. I think you'll find this as well. Also, you'll find that you relate to the professors much more at 39, and they relate to you. You will find them extremely helpful. They will do all they can to help you succeed.
Good luck on your educational adventure!
2006-07-09 08:35:11 · answer #8 · answered by Dave1001 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think it is a wonderful idea. i; personally; don't think that education should stop once you've hit a certain age. i'm in the military and we get rated on education. i know that we won't get a 5(the highest) on outside education unless we have a masters degree. it doesn't matter if you've been in for 2 years or 20. i know that society has a certain view when it comes to college students but.... if you want to do; do it!!!
2006-07-09 08:37:11 · answer #9 · answered by Tara B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I say go back and do it! Just one bit of advice. Don't live in a student residence with first years who are 18. When I was in school a man in his 30's lived in our residence, and I found it disturbing. But as for the education, anyone can do it. In my first year I had a man in his 80's in one of my classes!
2006-07-09 08:33:09 · answer #10 · answered by rdreader 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely go back! I'm a college student and I see people a lot older than you taking classes. And from my experiences, they often do BETTER than 18 year old college kids because of all the life experiences and wisdom they bring to the table. I think it's a great idea.
2006-07-09 08:32:37 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋