Returning to College as an Adult
Coming back to school at 42 years old was a huge decision for me. I attempted it when I was in my early 20’s. Things always got in the way like a part time job to accommodate my full time job, being a single mom and trying to find childcare for her as I attended school at night. At that point in my life I found it too difficult.
Now remarried for 16 years and a total of two children, I began to have a burning desire to come back and not let anything get in my way to continue my education. My oldest daughter is an adult herself and on her own and my youngest is in the 8th grade. With that in mind, I thought how exciting it would be for my youngest to graduate from high school and myself graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree at the same time. So, here I am, in my third semester with a ways to go but I am focused and dedicated to my education. I have lots of support from family, friends, peers and my professors. This drives me to go forward even when I think I can’t do something.
It was of course awkward for me at first. I spent lots of time just adjusting to the technology of learning today because it was so different when I last attended school. I was also a bit uncomfortable because of my age and wondering if I could “fit in.” But I do, surprisingly enough, some of closest peers in my classes are much younger than me and we can communicate and study together. It is wonderful.
I do struggle at times trying to keep up with all of my responsibilities as a wife and a mother and my full time school work. I find myself working on school work most of the time and have to not engage in some family activities, but everyone understands and continues to support me.
Citation: Adult Students Rock image retrieved on October 28, 2010, Google Images, nontraditional students, WWW.
