hey college students, I'm 37 and just starting college.?

Question

Hi.

I'm getting ready to start college full time tomorrow, my first two years will be at a community college than transfer to a university. My previous employer is paying for it all.. :)

I have social anxiety, the biggest part of it is communication. I dont really talk to alot of people and that makes me think that they are thinking im stuck up or something.lol

I was just wondering if you had a 37 year old in your class, how would you NOT want them to act or dress etc..lol Odds are, I will probably just sit in the back of the class and not talk to anyone cause theyll be half my age, not that it would bother me if that would happen; but I just dont want to be the black sheep of the class.

this may sound like a stupid question but its been in my mind. now, I dont feel or look 37, but thats prolly what alot of 37 year olds think.

ahh, too many thoughts to lost about this topic, maybee im just having anxiety cause I start tomorrow. well anyhow this is my general point

Answer 1

I did it at about that age - don't worry, you won't be the oldest guy on campus.

What you'll find is that many treat you just like everyone else. Some will wonder why "the old guy" is hanging out there. Some will think it's way cool that you're going back to school and wish their parents would. You're the age range of some of their parents...

Some will see if you'll buy if they pay - I highly suggest not. You'll meet some who have a "thing" for "older guys" and some who are "freaked out" by older guys. Either way, that's their thing and not yours.

Some of the professors will be nervous around you -- they'll think you know when they mess up and will judge them. Some of the professors will think it's "very commendable" that you've returned to school.

Some of the "kids" may look to you for an example or even advice -- they don't want a dad or an uncle though, they have one of those. They will respect you if you only offer 100% truth and no BS when asked, they can get protectionist BS from mom.

They don't want to hear how it's harder for you because you have "responsibilities" - they see that as a BS excuse just as we see their social life as a BS excuse.

You'll find much of the coursework to be easier now than when you were younger, we're able to put a different perspective on the information. You may find that things that require manual skills are harder than they used to be and learning a language and the like is a real bear.

If you treat them as an adult peer and not as children, they will extend to you an invitation into a little bit of their world. Careful you don't get lured too far into their world though... our world is a bit safer.

mostly - have a good time and learn some cool stuff you didn't even know you didn't know. ☺

Answer 2

Don't be nervous! I'm 19 and I will be starting my second year at a community college in a few days.

Last year I had people 30+ in more than half of my classes. You are not alone! At first it was different because here I am, fresh out of high school in a class where some people were old enough to be my parents.

I enjoyed the experience. From my experience its the "older people" who talk the most, ask the most questions, and really excel in the classes. I befriend some too. It's a different experience and one I hope you will enjoy.

I guess the best advice I can offer you is to be yourself and don't just sit back and let the world (or class, haha) pass you by!

Best of luck!

Answer 3

I had a guy who was over 40 in like 2 or 3 classes and trust me, for the most part, it doesn't affect how students look at you. Yeah they notice the age difference but it's really no big deal at all. I know you're gonna be nervous but be yourself that's the most you can do. You won't be the black sheep and don't be so nervous or else that's just going to make you uncomfortable. Good luck with everything :)

Answer 4

My advice is to just be yourself.

LooKing back on my college days, I had a good number of classmates who were not in the 18-22 year old range, and even became friends with a couple who were 40+.

Believe it or not, you will come across some younger students who have a lot in common with you. And you will be amazed at how friendly a lot of college students are.

You really have nothing to worry about. If you just relax, and be friendly and nice to people, you'll be just fine. The kids know that there are a lot of people attending school who are not in their age range, and trust me, most of them don't think negatively about it.

Answer 5

I had a lot of older "non-trad" students in my classes.... really there isn't anything to do in particular... I hate to say it, but, just be yourself! Don't feel like you have to sit in the back, either. It seemed to me that older students were really better students than the younger ones. You have more experience and better time management. Use your knowledge to help the class along. Don't feel intimidated: you belong there as much as anyone.

Answer 6

Just be nice. If people talk to you, then respond in kind. Also be aware some people just dont really like talking to people in class, so just make sure you keep that in mind and dont annoy anyone.

Answer 7

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