I'm a 50 y/o women who is enrolled for classes this semester. How would you feel about an older person in your class? Curious to know.
2007-08-18 06:23:20 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Wow! You all are totally encouraging!
I'm going for a Bachelor of Science degree. My major is Medical Technology.
When I went to college in my early 20's, I made a number of friends who were older. I was just curious to see how other people felt. Thank you all so much for your answers.
2007-08-18 09:24:49 · update #1
I went back to college at 39. There are many people going back to college after raising our kids. Professors like adult students, because we can appreciate the gift of this opportunity, and therefore we do our homework, read the outside reading, complete assignments, can spell, etc.
I would think: good for you! Get the most out of the experience!
What's your major? (I wanted to be the first to ask!)
PS to Vulcan guy: I agree, get a move on!
2007-08-18 06:30:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I went back (again) when I was 40. It was a whole lot easier. I'd just moved my entire family from the west coast and was building a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house while going to class. The teachers loved me. The other students I dealt with seemed to enjoy my company. A sociology professor asked me to sit in on her class -- it was a gender studies class, the femnazis were overbearing and the few guys in the class were wimping out. What a hoot! In the history department, I was often invited into the offices of the prof.s for coffee and a sit down (I was directly involved in the making of the history of which they were interested). I personally loved the summer semester, one class lasting three hours. Total emersion. That's also the time when you run into students a little closer to your own age -- they're brushing up for their jobs. I say go, have a good time and engage the prof.s.
2007-08-18 13:50:33 · answer #2 · answered by Doc 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I seem to always be the youngest in my classes, but there is always one or two people in each of my classes that are in their 40's and up. I love the older students in the class because they seem to know so much more and are the people I find the easiest to get along with and able to learn more from. So far in my 3 years of experience in the college world I have come to the conclusion that the older the student is, the better off they are. They seem more determined to finish, not as stressed out as the younger ones and the friendliest. ...my last class I took had 20 students in it and about 10 of them were 40 or older. It was by far my favorite class. Join the college world, we would love to have you.
2007-08-18 14:34:10 · answer #3 · answered by picc0999 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I see an older student, I feel privileged to learn all of this science at a young age. Some people search their entire lives to see what they want to do in the future. GO for it! If you feel that you want to learn more about this world, discover new things, College is great!
2007-08-18 13:58:06 · answer #4 · answered by Chiy9u 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As an instructor, I like having older students. They're there to learn, not just because they're supposed to be in college, and not just because they think it will get them a better job.
The other students seem to get along well with the older students. They usually appreciate having someone else around with a different perspective on life. College kids actually love to talk to people who are the age of their parents, but who aren't authority figures.
2007-08-18 13:30:23 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas M 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Like Thomas M above I too am a professor and I'm always happy to have older students. They had a basic education back when that meant something, they have had some life experience which they can bring to classroom discussions and I can relate to them more easily than I can the 19-year olds. Good for you and good luck.
2007-08-18 13:35:36 · answer #6 · answered by CanProf 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Go for it!!
There are many older-than-average students enrolled in colleges and universities these days. I applaud all of you for making this important decision.
You have lots of life experience with which to approach your classes. Your professors and classmates will benefit from your sharing of this experience.
Best of luck to you! Be proud of yourself for doing this!!
2007-08-18 13:25:33 · answer #7 · answered by MadameZ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am 68 and still enroll for courses of interest.
You are positively juvenile! Just do it.
Additional Details:
It is a small world. I am also a medical technologist.
2007-08-18 13:40:25 · answer #8 · answered by A.V.R. 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
That is awesome!!! Good luck...and by the way, I would totally enjoy having someone like you in a class! :)
2007-08-18 16:47:13 · answer #9 · answered by Holdin' on to Hope 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm, I'd better get crackin!
44 years old and thinking about enrolling, myself :)
2007-08-18 13:31:37 · answer #10 · answered by Vulcan_guy 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋