Back to School? career? Is it too late?

Question

I have been a mother, homemaker, and wife. I have maintained my home and finances ect... But..... I have never stepped foot into college since I graduated from High School. I would like to do something more with my life now that my kids are getting older. I am afraid that I will stick out because of my age, or not be able to afford it, ect... I haven't gotten the courage to take the first step yet. (whatever that step is?) Got any helpful advice? Your advice may be the driving force that sends me forward. Thanks

Answer 1

Would you consider an online school? I dont mean U of Phoenix or other schools like that, that'll cost you $50,000.00. In texas, Central Texas College has associate's degrees and is affiliated with another school (Tarleton U.) that gives bachelors degrees. It is right next to Fort Hood, and has a lot of students that are in the armed forces, since they move around a lot and are stationed all over the world, CTC & Tarleton are perfect for them. The cost of CTC is the same as any community college and is "regionally" accredited (thats the good type of accreditation) as opposed to "Nationally" accredited, which is for distance ed. schools that arent up to standards. check it out. www.ctcd.edu

Answer 2

It's NEVER to late. Not being able to afford college is a thing of the past, there are so many grants and loans available now days.Go to the administration at a school you're interested in and talk with their advisers about grants.
Do not be worried about sticking out, more older people are in school because education is never ending. You are doing what you have to do so don't pay attention to what any one else thinks, says or does.
The first step is knowing what you are area good at and find a school that specializes in it.
Also, many schools offer on line and correspondence courses so you would not have to actually go on campus for your education.
Good luck! Take one step at a time and keep looking ahead!

Answer 3

I remember going to school with older individuals (people who have had children, other career, etc..). When that older person has a goal such as wanting to be a teacher or engineer, etc... and they are not going hoping to find what they want to do when they grow-up like many kids out of high school, that older person becomes a inspiration to the whole class. I remember having a study group with a lady that was a grandmother starting college so that she could get a engineering degree. This lady was motivation for me to succeed because she had to work harder at some things than I did (on the other foot, some things were a lot easier for her).
Make a goal!
Be committed to that goal!
Do it right now!

Answer 4

I dropped out of high school my senior year class of '98. Just last January started going back for my GED. I am married, have a 2 yr old & work. Tomorrow (Thursday) I meet with a college counsolor to enquire about the medical courses they offer. I can take 2 classes a week for 2 years & will have an degree... Its never too late. I feel so much better about myself to wanting to better the life of my family & I. I'm not sure how old you are but My mom who is 50, 5 years ago went back to school & got her masters in human resources. Don't let $$ be an issue either......a lot a places have financal aid, that you wouldnt have to pay back until after your done with school & working in your new carreer.

Answer 5

I studied for 6 years with the Open University and gained a degree at the age of 34. I went on to teach in a college but found that my lack of experience in the workforce was a problem - I had little confidence to deal with inevitable workplace politics (it's a dog-eat-dog world out there). My personal advice to you would be to get involved in voluntary work. That way, you can get valuable workplace experience that could be worth more to you than paper qualifications. It will also give you a good idea/experience of different careers and allow you time to choose. Obviously, some careers require qualifications, but you may decide that a vocational (rather than academic) course of study gives you the best options.

Answer 6

Go for it! I am one of those people. Yes most of the students are younger, but I bet you would be suprised how many older ones go. You won't stick out. Actually nobody really cares if you are older.Think where you will be if you don't go and where you will be if you go. You can get student loans. Believe me it is worth it to get into a career you can actually say you enjoy. School is so much easier when you are older than high school was. You'll find learning is easier because you will pay attention more and are more interested in it. (at least I was). So good luck to you!

Answer 7

you won't stick out because of your age at all. there's a lot more older people going to college than you think. if there is something that you want to learn how to do then just go for it. most if not all colleges have financial aid so that should help you out money wise. it is never too late to learn something new. the first step in going to college is getting an application to go there which you can get by calling a college and requesting one. fill it out and send it in. then you have to wait until you are accepted then you can get with the college and go from there. hope this helps. good luck in college.

Answer 8

I am young, but I went to college for a semester and there were people of all ages and not a single one stuck out. In this day and age, people are going back to school in their 60s and 70s. It is very respectable that you want to go back to school - just don't take the same classes as your kids - that can be embarassing for them. You will meet plenty of people your age. As for finances, look into Financial Aid and/or grants. I am sure you can find a ton of grants. Also, check out the local Community College - very inexpensive for residents of the state.

Answer 9

Go to several local schools and get information on course offerings, enrollment dates, and grants and tuition. The first and hardest step is to decide on what specific type of job you would be happy doing. From there it's only a matter of doing it and now is always better than later. You'll find that it makes you feel younger too.

Answer 10

i got into college early i was 16 when i graduated HS and now i'm only 17 but most of my classmates are A LOT older than me there are ppl in my classes old enough to be my grandparents and i struggle to keep up with them to be honest i like talking to them and they are nice to have in class because they know what work is and aren't afraid to help with a project or something and sometimes life experience can also be applicable in the classroom. GO FOR IT!!!!