Returning to School

20 years after leaving college, I decided that it was time to return and brush up on some rusty skills.  I had really enjoyed school way back when but the thought of hitting the books again as an adult with many more responsibilities was scary.

I was filled with apprehension as I walked onto the campus I was considering. Would I be able to put in the hours and focus on the work load while I juggled my family and my job? Is my brain still nimble enough to absorb concepts and formulate new ideas? What should I take? Would I be judged as too old? My mind swam with all of these considerations…

I met with a very understanding and informed campus administrator who assisted me in clarifying my goals. We discussed many things in order to help focus in on an educational plan that was perfect for me. Here are a few of the most important things we talked about:

• What skills did I need to work on specifically?
• Was a diploma program what I needed or would a specialized program be more appropriate to fill in the gaps in my resume?
• What services were available to me on campus?
• Class schedules
• Funding options

Three months into my program, I now realize that mature students have a big advantage over our younger counterparts. Life and work experiences add depth to our understanding and allow us to produce work that is realistic and practical. Being in the appropriate program that is relevant to my own goals the key.

I’d love to hear about your experiences returning to school as an adult learner.