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AEI80DW-O Entry #15: On Being an Older Student -- and winning at it

Mar 29 '10 Write an essay on this topic.

The Bottom Line There are opportunities galore for the non-traditional student out there.

One of the benefits of being retired as it were, is that an entirely new world has opened up for me. Namely, I now have the freedom and the opportunity to study what I want, when I want. To balance that statement, I do have to admit that I have never really stopped studying ever since well, forever. I've always been fascinated by art, music, languages, history, literature -- everything and anything that catches my interest.

But the downside to this, that while I was holding down a regular job, my endevours at further education was pretty scattershot. I read everything that I could on a topic, took a class when I could, but never really felt satisfied. I itched to be back in a more structured enviroment, and to have a bit of guidance in what I was learning.

But recently, I was directed to my local community college, and while it only offers two-year degrees and certification, I found a little known opportunity to catch up on those subjects that I never really had time for when I was busy working or getting my bachelor's degree. Even better, I found out that it was part of a grant programme and I could choose to audit it, for non-credit, or pay a nominal fee and have the credits added towards an eventual degree. Well, faster than you can say 'matriculation' I was rubbing my paws together with glee, and looking over the course catalogs, and plunged back into the academic fray.

So, what did I learn over my further education?

1. Relax, and enjoy the ride.
Out of everything, this was the most important lesson that I learnt, and I've managed to apply it to most of the rest of my life as I can. Try not to stress over tests and essays, and just do your best. One nice thing about auditing the course -- I didn't have to take the finals (I did anyway, but that's just me...)

2. You'll make new friends.
Remember, there are other older students out there, and you're not going to be running over the social games that the younger kids are.

3. The instructors will like you.
I'm not kidding here. I had more insight and conversations with the instructors in my classes than I ever did as an undergrad. A lot of it has to do with the fact that they know you are there because you want to be. And the instructors know that you're not going to be screwing around with late papers, not reading the material or jerking around with texting during the class.

4. Juggle your free time to have time to keep up with the course work.
It does take a bit of time to keep up with things I found out. It did help a lot that I don't work full time any more, so I took the time to figure out when was the best time for me to study, do the lab work, and write papers. That turned out to be late at night (I'm a night owl), but everyone is different. Talk to your family and/or partner to negotiate the time you need, and go for it. You might surprise yourself.

5. Don't procrastinate.
This works for all kinds of students, no matter if you're in college, high school or anything. This is the biggest mistake that you can make in school, and putting off that paper or reading through twenty pages of text will just make you cranky and up too late; this becomes really vital when it comes to trying to carry a full course load and trying to work or raise a family. It's not worth it. Establish a routine for your study habits and stick to it. If you don't believe me, go back and look at that first rule on my list.

6. Never be afraid to ask for help.
Instructors are much more inclined to help you out of a jam if you need help. That's what most of the administrative staff and counselors are there for. If it's getting too much for you to handle, get someone on staff to help you rearrange your schedule, reschedule a course, or get someone to help you sort out the mess. It's what they are there for, and it's part of the services that you are paying for. Yes, your money. Remember that. Unlike high school, you're the consumer here, and instructors depend on your satisfaction to help them earn that tenure. And if you're having problems keeping up with the course work, or know you won't be able to turn in the term paper on time, talk to your instructor -- often they can lend a hand or help you unsnarl a theory or two. Don't abuse the privilege, and you might find yourself enjoying yourself a lot more. If I had known this on my first round of university, I'd be a far happier person today.

In any case, going to college as an older adult can be a blast. You'll have social skills and problem solving abilities under your belt, you can study what you want to, and find out new things about yourself. The biggest gift that you can give yourself or your children for that matter, is a love of learning and exploring. Get that into your children or yourself at a young age and there's a good chance it will stay with you for the rest of your life.

The best advice that I can give to a student is to keep your mind open, try your best, and never be afraid to change your mind if you discover that your major isn't working out for you.

There's a big beautiful world out there, and go ahead and take big bites, no matter what it is that you want. No one ever said on their deathbed, oh how I wish I worked more!

This is my Education entry into the Around Epinions In 80 Days Write-Off.

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