I submitted my application and now I wait and obsess on whether or not I'll get in! I've heard that some schools are willing to accept older students who are serious about getting an education. I messed up SO BADLY the 1st time! I want to be an early learning school teacher. Are there any middle aged back- to- schoolers out there? How has it been for you? Hoping ..hoping..
2006-09-06 21:46:57 · 7 answers · asked by ? 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I'm coaching someone now who is 49 years old and she started college about 1 1/2 years ago. This lady is learning a 2nd language (English). She has two grown daughters that graduated college; she works in a very "rough" and "tough" school here in NYC as a hall monitor and the kids tower over her but they love and respect her. It's so great to see them come up to her on the bus or subway and hug her and start talking with her like old chums!
She has a college professor who STARTED college at age 43 and today is in her late 60s and has 3 Masters Degrees and 3 PhD Degrees! This professor came to this country in her early 20s and was completely illiterate and spoke NO English. She came from a country where she was put to work at age 6 in the fields! Imagine, illiterate in her 20s, spoke no English and now she has 3 Masters and 3 PhD degrees and has written several books and still writes numerous articles on education...!
I was working and supporting myself since I was 15 and I put myself through HS while paying for a furnished room and competing in Gymnastics and studying Martial Arts in China Town here in NYC. It wasn't easy; I had no social life but I did it.
When I started college in my 30s, most kids were in the 20s immature and always wasting time at parties; I passed the departmental exams for English, Spanish, Speech and Math and I was awarded 2 semesters' worth credits and exemption from these classes; I maintained a grade index of 3.96, in 2 majors (2 Honor Rolls), one minor, I worked in the Financial Aid Office during the week days for a few years but stopped when I was allowed to TEACH several classes at the college. I worked as a Maintenance Man on weekends to support my daughter.
What made it easy for me? I KNEW what I had to do, I was mature and I didn't have time to fool around and waste time. I studied while o the trains to and from work and every minute I could find.
What helped me? A very well developed vocabulary that enabled me to understand more of what I read and heard in class, and I was able to express myself better than the average student when I spoke and wrote PLUS I typed at lightning speed on IBM electric typewriters (we didn't have computers back then), which enabled me to do my work faster and with greater efficiency and fewer errors.
YOU can do the same. In a 2-year college the professors and instructors will get to know you as a person, not as a body that occupies a particular seat in a particular room at a particular hour. You will get feedback from your fellow students and teachers, and more opportunities to get help if you need it.
GO for it. Don't hold yourself back. Just do your best and forego a few social events if you have assignments due or an exam pending; you will enjoy the fruits of your labor later on and have that much more fun, too.
Don't procrastinate; don't leave homework assignments for later and don't put off reading and keeping up with the rest of the class. Remind yourself constantly what it is that you're in school for; stay focused and don't lose hope. Hey, enjoy the experience! Good luck and best wishes.
2006-09-06 21:49:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been there. Most of my classes were evening, so the younger students didn't make me feel out of place, mostly because I was not alone. There were several people who were 60+, their thirst for knowledge needed quenching.
I've heard that the day classes in City Colleges can feel a lot like high school. Giggly girls & foul mouthed boys, all looking to impress, as if the juvenile behavior will make them look grown up. But they say it is nice because the professors consider you a breath of fresh air.
2006-09-06 22:01:41 · answer #2 · answered by J Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back when I was in college I knew a blind woman in her 50's getting her first bachelors degree in Sociology. I don't think you'll have a hard time with college really. Most people make it out to be something far harder than it actually is.
2006-09-07 00:40:36 · answer #3 · answered by Alucard 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on going back to school and choosing to educate our children! I am really proud of you taking the initiative to follow your dreams and complete this part of your journey. Keep your head up, stay focused, and study hard. You can do it. I did! Best wishes.
2006-09-06 21:53:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I gained a BA at 43, and an MBA at 50 so if i can do it there is hope for all
2006-09-06 21:55:05 · answer #5 · answered by Bladerunner (Dave) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Magic 8 ball says, "yes".
Really shook it hard.
If you want it enough, you'll find the right college to make it through the hoops.
People find out soon enough if it's worth it for them.
Best of luck :-)
2006-09-06 22:12:44 · answer #6 · answered by Ylyssa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
congrats and good-luck
2006-09-06 22:35:20 · answer #7 · answered by Phil 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋