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Has anyone gone to college for the first time as an adult?

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Super_Ideal_Rock
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I know the PS crowd is generally highly educated and most have probably attended college fresh out of high school but I thought maybe someone could share the experience of having attended as an adult.

My recent job hunting and work experiences were so poor that I started thinking about going to college but the financial aspect held me back. Well now CT has a program for residents who meet certain requirements to attend a community college up to a certain number of credit hours for free. I meet all the requirements, but had no idea what to study, then after talking about it with some relatives they suggested getting a degree as a vet assistant. I mentioned this to my SIL who has a masters degree and she agreed that would be a good fit for me and is very encouraging and said she would help me with the financial aid paperwork. When I asked people why vet tech the response is "because you speak animal" suppose that's true, love animals, have grown up with multiple species and it would be great to make a difference to animals, it would be very worthwhile I think. SIL also used to work as a large animal vet tech and said she would call the veterinary practice and speak to the head vet to see what the job outlook for techs is in our state and maybe see if they would employ me part-time so I could get some hands-on experience.

I never attended college because I had no support system and had to work full time to pay my rent, I was also afraid to go, yup as silly as is, and I am still a little apprehensive but less so. I would be a full time student and the community college does offer the vet tech program as an online course although I'm not sure whether it is better to attend in person or not.

So in short, just looking for any thoughts, experiences, advice etc. I have no clue what I am doing :lol-2:
 
Good for you! I imagine you have to have a strong clinical disposition to handle the difficult parts of the job. I think that would be hard. Also hard not to adopt all the animals. Good luck. I believe all education is great for you.
 
I started a BA at age 30. Went to a community college for a year because I was scared to death to jump directly into university. I thought it would be awkward being 10+ years older than the traditional student but age was a huge advantage because I wanted a degree more than anything, knew what I wanted my major to be, and didn't have the social distractions most younger students contend with. I attended classes part time while working full time while I pursued the degree so it took a long time to achieve it. I worked at the university I was attending and got reduced tuition which was great. A decade later, I got my masters the same way only worked and attended full time as my program was in the evenings and on weekends. I got a masters but lost my mind :bigsmile:
 
@lyra, I know I will want to save every homeless animal, but must exercise restraint! It helps that I already have a house full!

@Matata, wow awesome job getting a masters that is a major accomplishment! Can I ask what your major is in?
 
I went to college straight out of high school and got my BA in English. When I was 24, I decided to get a one-year AAS in merchandising at a state school so that I could pursue a new career.

I often think that maybe more people would benefit from taking a break between high school and college to gain a better sense of what you want to take away from an advanced education. I was definitely much more driven and focused the second time around, and I sometimes think that I might pursue another degree after I retire, just for the sake of learning.

I think it makes a lot of sense to go back to school, especially if you can get a free ride. It’s never too late!
 
@JPie, thank you for sharing your experience. Lord knows age and experience can be so valuable and this is a good example. I agree too that it's never too late, great idea to pursue higher education after retirement, keeps the mind sharp and young for sure.
 
StephanieLynn said:
I know the PS crowd is generally highly educated and most have probably attended college fresh out of high school but I thought maybe someone could share the experience of having attended as an adult.

My recent job hunting and work experiences were so poor that I started thinking about going to college but the financial aspect held me back. Well now CT has a program for residents who meet certain requirements to attend a community college up to a certain number of credit hours for free. I meet all the requirements, but had no idea what to study, then after talking about it with some relatives they suggested getting a degree as a vet assistant. I mentioned this to my SIL who has a masters degree and she agreed that would be a good fit for me and is very encouraging and said she would help me with the financial aid paperwork. When I asked people why vet tech the response is "because you speak animal" suppose that's true, love animals, have grown up with multiple species and it would be great to make a difference to animals, it would be very worthwhile I think. SIL also used to work as a large animal vet tech and said she would call the veterinary practice and speak to the head vet to see what the job outlook for techs is in our state and maybe see if they would employ me part-time so I could get some hands-on experience.

I never attended college because I had no support system and had to work full time to pay my rent, I was also afraid to go, yup as silly as is, and I am still a little apprehensive but less so. I would be a full time student and the community college does offer the vet tech program as an online course although I'm not sure whether it is better to attend in person or not.

So in short, just looking for any thoughts, experiences, advice etc. I have no clue what I am doing :lol-2:
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Oh i wish you much success in your studies
I never had the opertunity to do tertiary study and got a bit bitter about it
For my birthday one year mum paid for one paper form the open polytech
It was a catch up kind of course for adult students to get back into study mode, a lot of maths
I was looking at environmental something or other
unfortunately i had just transfered to a new admin position at work? Never ever having had a sit down job before and it was just mentality exhausting trying to learn both so my study petered out

So to answer your questions i would say do it in person, not online
 
It’s a great idea, go for it! Everyone talks about “lifelong learning” these days anyway, age should be no barrier to getting more education. Being a vet nurse/tech would be very rewarding.
 
Just do it.
I managed to get a sponsorship to attend a work-related 2-year post-graduate training that would lead to a very desirable qualification about 12 years after I started to work full time.
It was not easy trying to juggle work and life as it was, let alone finding time to study.
I managed to do the course works for the first year, however I was finding it particularly difficult the next.
To cut a long story short, I did not complete my training, and failed to achieve the qualification that I had worked hard to achieve for a number of reasons.
Although my career path had changed, some may say I have yet to reach my full potentials, I am happy with my achievements so far and am content with my lot.
Take the plunge and go for it now there is a chance. Otherwise you may live to regret for not trying, and life is too short to look back with regrets.
Juggling between life, work and studying will be tough. Hopefully, you are now in a better position financially, with a supportive family on your side.
Set yourself some goals for motivation purposes, like a nice piece of bling at the end of each significant milestone such as tests/exams.
Good luck!

DK :))
 
This is a very exciting time in your life @StephanieLynn.

It is never too late to pursue higher education IMO. Learning is an enjoyable lifelong process and I support you completely. You can do it and you will excel. I second the advice to do it in person vs online. It will be an entirely different experience IMO and the energy you will get from the other students and interaction with them and the professors will add to the positive experience.

You have the motivation and enthusiasm and energy and I have no doubt this will be a worthwhile endeavor. Wishing you much luck.
 
Woohoo, @StephanieLynn , how exciting. This sounds like such a great match for you. I'm sure you'll be a great vet tech!!!

As for the age gap - you're still young!!!!


We've had a few retirees in my graduate class. They were well integrated and respected. I vividly remember a retired butcher who had to do an apprenticeship with his dad and take over the family business from age 16. All he ever wanted was study political science.

When he retired there was a program in place that allowed him to count all these years as a master tradesperson and small business owner like credit points. So he was able to start university studies for political science. He finished his PhD with us. Everybody helped him proofread, because he didn't have the habit of writing papers, but we got him through before his 75th birthday.

He cried all through his closing ceremony. Very moving

It's never too late , knowledge is never obsolete and students are generally nice folks in my experience. You already share are common interest,so it's easier to find people who you click with.

Go for it!!!
 
A unique thing about my college graduation was that my lab partner and her mom graduated together. Her mom escaped depression era Europe. I tutored her in statistics.

Seeing them receive their diplomas together was emotional for everyone. Our commencement speaker (dick cavett) included them in his speech. A wonderful day.

I say, go for it!
 
I went the right out of high school route , pursuing a rather useless degree it turned out. (But I had fun!) In my late 20s, with tots at home, I went back to school for my nursing degree. I feared I'd be the oldest student on campus, but that wasn't the case. That degree landed me a job in no time. I've been employed by the same healthcare co for nearly 20 years! Was definetly worth the time and effort!
 
As a college professor, I'll speak to the format question. Unless there are schedule reasons for needing classes to be online, I think it could be good to at least start with face-to-face. Research generally shows students feel more connected to the class and material and have more success face-to-face than online (I'm sure in part because it is hard to teach online classes well; we are often still working on putting into place best practices for online education). Some students do great at either, and that could totally be true for you (especially being older and motivated) but I think it could be good to start off experiencing the atmosphere of the classroom and possibly connection to other students and instructors. (Btw, sometimes classes are offered in hybrid format, with one class meeting a week, e.g., and lots of people like the flexibility plus connection that comes with those.)
 
Go for it! I did the traditional thing for undergrad, worked for many years, and jumped back into school with both feet (full time) for grad school. I had a toddler at home and was a good 15 years older than my peers. Nothing quite like starting a brand new career at 40 when all your peers are closer to 25.

The pros are that you are far more focused because you know what you want to do and you have better life skills. The cons are that you will probably find that you do not have a lot in common with most of your classmates because you are at a completely different life stage and getting back into the swing of studying can be wrenching.

While in school, I found my tribe of other non-traditional students and it was very helpful to be able to discuss and commiserate about balancing school and a family. However, my best friends from grad school and the people I've really stayed in touch with turned out to be traditional students--go figure. I also vote that you should go in person rather than online, unless you've tried the online format and are absolutely certain that the format works for you and getting to in person classes just won't work for you.

Overall, I had more in common with my professors (in terms of life stage) than my peers. It's a little odd to have a professor tell some anecdote and immediately state that it will be ancient history to you (the average person in the class), but you (the non-traditional student) can absolutely relate. It's also a little jarring to sit with a group of students discussing how the age of 40 is "soooo old". That said, my general strategy was to keep quiet about my age/experience/life stage. I wouldn't hide it if asked direct questions, but also didn't volunteer anything. This strategy is based in part on my observation that the non-traditional students who were very vocal about their age/experience/life stage tended to come off as pedantic, tedious, dismissive of the younger students, or all of the above. Plus, despite life stage differences, you will have a lot in common with younger students in terms of figuring out how to get through school. The reason that my best friends from school were traditional students was because they were the people I really clicked with in terms of studying. I kept an open mind with respect to their issues and life stage and they gave me the same courtesy.

Getting back into the swing of studying was hard. My first mid-terms were not good. I thought about dropping out. Fortunately, I managed to figure things out by the time finals rolled around (in part with help from traditional students) and ended up doing very well. Helps a lot to treat school like a job. Was very amused to hear a classmate talk about a summer job and how hard it was to work 40 hrs/wk and be required to show up to work at a certain time. LoL.

My DH was very supportive of me going back to school but the transition was still hard. In theory, DH was totally on board with shifting from me taking care of most of the childcare and household tasks to him taking on much of the burden. The actual transition was far more difficult.

Now that I'm a decade into my new career, I'm so glad I went back to school. In my case, the increase in income was substantial. It also helps that I really like the work. It is a lot easier to work really hard at something you enjoy than at something that is easy but not interesting. The financial benefit is great (let's me hang out here and know that I *can* afford to buy myself some baubles), but key intangible that is really hard to place a value on is the satisfaction I feel in my accomplishments. The amount of instant respect the additional education confers is a nice side benefit.

I'm really glad that I went back to school, but I also recognize that I'm really lucky that things turned out as well as they did (especially since I graduated in 2009--yikes!). However, getting here required us to make decisions and sacrifices relating to family time that many would not choose to make. You definitely need to take your family and your values into consideration. I knew some students whose families were not supportive and it was really, really hard for them in ways that I know I will never be able to fully understand. The final deciding factor for me going back to school was that we would not have substantial debt at the end of it. Since it sounds like you will also be able to get through without substantial debt, you've identified something you really want to do and you need a degree to continue to be competitive, you should absolutely go for it. It will be an adventure.
 
@Daisys and Diamonds, I can see how that would be a lot to handle, going to school and having a job to contend with. Definitely think that I will go for it in person as you and others have pointed out it really is a totally different experience.

@Snowdrop13 I have heard of folks 70 and up going to college so you are right about lifelong learning, it was just not really in reach up until now. I also foolishly thought that it would be a lot easier to find a decent job but was totally mistaken.

@dk168, thank you so much for sharing your experience, I imagine it is a bit of a struggle to find a balance with school and home life once you have a family involved. It's good to hear that you don't have any regrets, living without regret it a wonderful thing and part of the reason I'm going to give this my best go. I also like that jewelry reward idea!

@missy, thank you so much for all the encouragement an advice, it is greatly appreciated and yes the experience will be richer in person vs online so I'm going to try that first.

@kipari, oh gosh am I still young? I don't feel it some days lol! So great to read your experience and you are right that it will be wonderful to be surrounded with like-minded animal folk.

@rocks, I'm going to go for it! Also I loved reading your story about a mom and daughter graduating together, how wonderful is that and an experience they will forever share together, just wonderful.

@CHRISTY-DANIELLE gosh I can't imagine going to school to be a nurse with two young children at home, that's a lot to undertake but it has worked out so well for you, 20 years in the same place is definitely something to be proud of these days.

@josieKat, thank you for sharing your advice and perspective. The only reason I would take online classes over in person is if the class schedule conflicts with having to get my kids to or from school. Since we have absolutely no help at all and DH works 45 minutes away there is no other person who can get them but me. Hopefully it will all work out. I'm going to start my application on Monday and filling out the financial aid paperwork and then once I have a schedule I'll have better idea what's going to work.

@Miss Marple, thank you for all of that, so much helpful advice especially how to relate to other students of the younger generation. Thankfully my DH is totally supportive, we also have an older son who can help more now that he's almost 13 and our youngest is finally in school. I'm glad that you were able to succeed because no doubt it is a serious adjustment both physically and mentally.
 
Hi,
p
Stehanie, You are going to be a College girl. Doesn't that sound wonderful! As you walk up to the Halls of IVy you're going to smile, take a deep breath and say to your self, "OMG, I made it here. A deep satisfaction will overcome you. You will always remember that moment. It will increase your stature to yourself. You may encounter some failures, but you are a College girl now and will overcome any adversity that school throws your way.

Yes, I went back to school and got my degree which I am very proud of to this day. I had a child and tried to schedule my classes when he was in school, and studied into the night. I did four yrs of school in three yrs and was exhausted by the end. But, initially I wanted to take tests--bring them on. I became rather competitive with my younger counterparts. I needed to see if I could compete. I did make friends: Sarah, an orthodox Jew, and the wife of a local pharmacist. We had lunch every month together until we graduated. You will make friends, which will be good for you.

It is not easy, but the personal satisfaction you feel will last you your whole life.. Don't give up this opportunity.
 
I did have a 4 year degree from a good school after high school. But after raising kids for years I wanted to try another line of work and took classes. There were some people my age and some pretty impressive young people who were working FT and going to school. Half the class washed out of the program and it was no picnic, but I made Phi Beta Kappa and I'm glad that I went. I also made a very good friend. Just do it!
 
HI:

What prerequisite classes do you need? Good starting point, taking them one or two at a time. Jumping into a FT program, with a family, can be thrilling but challenging.

Slow and steady wins the race.

cheers--Sharon
 
I think you'll do a great job of it. As long as your excited about the idea of becoming a vet tech, the college education part is really a formality. Itll be over within a couple of years essy peasy, and you'll be onto the next thing. Perhaps it helps to know that the college really really doesn't want you to fail-- if you fail you may drop out and if you drop out they dont get any more subsidy from you completing higher levels of the course. Whats more if the government is subsidising this degree then sometimes, it views the deliverable as the college producing X people trained in skill Y -- in this case the government wants to see a certain completion rate. Failure to meet these kind of requirements generally results in a stripping of funding subsidies. Either way the college really does not want to see you drop out, and will have many systems in place to ensure you complete the degree and cater to your needs. So if it is worry about satisfying the degree requirements which is holding you back, then honestly you shouldn't be panicking at all.

Can you get an opportunity to work for the local clinic just a very basic position for a couple of hours a week even? The job is likely to be quite different from simply loving animals.
 
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@smitcompton, that's wonderful that you not only got an education but made some friends to boot! That would be wonderful and very welcome, I am rather excited I will be a college girl!

@doberman, I can tell you are very ambitious and good on you for sticking with the program, that is such a major accomplishment. I am definitely going (that was never a question, I at least have to try) but just wanted to see what experiences other adults have had going to college. It is a rather intimidating idea but you all are giving me lots of great advice and it seems less scary somehow.

@canuk-gal, that's a good question and the answer at the moment is I don't know. When I had spoken to my SIL and told her I was planning on going to the college and talking to someone she said I would be better off to apply online and get the financial aid paperwork started, she seems to think this is the priority because it is first come first served for funding. Maybe the best route is to apply and start the paperwork AND go and talk to someone in addition? That way I can get all the answers and figure out exactly what I need to do.

@qubitasaurus, I am excited to work with animals absolutely and think I would be good at it. When I was job-hunting recently someone suggested I go back into insurance and that was an immediate no, don't want to do that again but didn't really know what to do. So when the vet tech suggestion came up it was a lightbulb moment lol! I know that actually having a job working with them will be challenging at times, not all rainbows and unicorns but that's really any job I suppose. It is very comforting to know that the colleges have a vested interest in students succeeding and graduating.

I have looked at positions near me but most require either prior experience or a degree working with animals but my SIL worked at a practice prior and is going to see if she can get me in where she used to work. Fingers crossed!
 
This sounds like a really good fit for you.
Making a difference for animals would be so satisfying and fulfilling!

. I would not worry one little bit about being the older person in the classroom, I bet you'd be surprised that lots of older people are going to technical school.
And there must be so many places that need vet techs. All the shelters and veterinarian offices probably need lots of people!

Your menagerie may grow a bit at home. It would be so hard not to adopt all the needy pets!
I sincerely hope this works out for you! You deserve great things in life!
 
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StephanieLynn said:
@smitcompton, that's wonderful that you not only got an education but made some friends to boot! That would be wonderful and very welcome, I am rather excited I will be a college girl!

@doberman, I can tell you are very ambitious and good on you for sticking with the program, that is such a major accomplishment. I am definitely going (that was never a question, I at least have to try) but just wanted to see what experiences other adults have had going to college. It is a rather intimidating idea but you all are giving me lots of great advice and it seems less scary somehow.

@canuk-gal, that's a good question and the answer at the moment is I don't know. When I had spoken to my SIL and told her I was planning on going to the college and talking to someone she said I would be better off to apply online and get the financial aid paperwork started, she seems to think this is the priority because it is first come first served for funding. Maybe the best route is to apply and start the paperwork AND go and talk to someone in addition? That way I can get all the answers and figure out exactly what I need to do.

@qubitasaurus, I am excited to work with animals absolutely and think I would be good at it. When I was job-hunting recently someone suggested I go back into insurance and that was an immediate no, don't want to do that again but didn't really know what to do. So when the vet tech suggestion came up it was a lightbulb moment lol! I know that actually having a job working with them will be challenging at times, not all rainbows and unicorns but that's really any job I suppose. It is very comforting to know that the colleges have a vested interest in students succeeding and graduating.

I have looked at positions near me but most require either prior experience or a degree working with animals but my SIL worked at a practice prior and is going to see if she can get me in where she used to work. Fingers crossed!
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Lol yes, the college may be even more scared of you failing, than you are.

If you really want to succeed it is very likely that you will pass with flying colours. So I wouldn't hesitate because I was worried about the course requirements -- just make sure you have done all the prerequisites.
 
My first advice is to do copious research into scholarships, even the small ones for just a few dollars. They add up. Many of them are for surprising demographics! And they can be repeated. Some require you to write an essay. Well worth a few minutes of heartfelt scribbling.
 
I will turn 54 in a few months.. I have a handful of college credits but I'm planning on taking classes beginning this year :) My goal is BA in Busn Mgmt. You're never too old for an education. Do what you love and LIVE. :kiss2:
 
HI:

Yes, speaking to a counselor at your college would be a good idea in addition to what you are already undertaking.

And in answer to your original question, I attended University as a school leaver (out of grade 12) and as an adult. I also attended classes face to face, and did courses online. Both had its advantages and drawbacks.

FWIW, when I taught, I found adult learners to be adept at handling the curveballs that school can throw at you, because they were accustomed to juggling jobs and kids and volunteer work (etc) in their daily lives.

cheers--Sharon
 
Thank you so much @stracci2000, actually I think in the past couple years I've come to a place of knowing when enough is enough with bringing animals home, that's a good thing because I don't want to end up in over my head!

@qubitasaurus, yes I am going to look into the prerequisites so I am completely prepared.

@PreRaphaelite, I know there is so much funding out there if you just make the effort to apply so thank you for that reminder, part of the requirement for this program is that you apply for all possible financial aid before they will cover the remainder of your tuition.

@Voldemort, looks like it's you and me this year! Do what you love and love what you do, truer words have never been spoken!

@canuk-gal, that's my plan then, I really want to meet with someone face to face, think it would put my mind even further at ease.
 
StephanieLynn said:
I think in the past couple years I've come to a place of knowing when enough is enough with bringing animals home, that's a good thing because I don't want to end up in over my head!
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It's not just wanting to bring animals home that will be an issue. It's dealing with animal owners who are idiots and it's dealing with disease and death. Veterinarians have a high suicide rate. Vet techs encounter the same challenges the docs do when it comes to finding a way to cope with hopeless situations. I have quite a few friends who are vet techs and the majority say dealing with irresponsible owners is the most difficult situation they face. There's the owners who left their cat laying in the litter box for a week before deciding to bring it in; the owner who let the dog have multiple litters, no pre or post natal care and drowned the pups because he didn't want the hassle of finding homes yet refused to spay the female. So many stories like that. You might not encounter that type of person often, but just one case of horrific consequences to an animal due to the stupidity of the owner is enough to tear your heart apart and have lasting effect on your psyche. You have to be able to find ways of dealing with those situations so they don't destroy you.
 
Matata said:
It's not just wanting to bring animals home that will be an issue. It's dealing with animal owners who are idiots and it's dealing with disease and death. Veterinarians have a high suicide rate. Vet techs encounter the same challenges the docs do when it comes to finding a way to cope with hopeless situations. I have quite a few friends who are vet techs and the majority say dealing with irresponsible owners is the most difficult situation they face. There's the owners who left their cat laying in the litter box for a week before deciding to bring it in; the owner who let the dog have multiple litters, no pre or post natal care and drowned the pups because he didn't want the hassle of finding homes yet refused to spay the female. So many stories like that. You might not encounter that type of person often, but just one case of horrific consequences to an animal due to the stupidity of the owner is enough to tear your heart apart and have lasting effect on your psyche. You have to be able to find ways of dealing with those situations so they don't destroy you.
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@Matata is right. My sister is a veterinarian and it isn't an easy life. She loves animals with a passion and it was always her calling to be a veterinarian despite her severe asthma allergies to animals. All animals. Her pediatrician allergist and my parents tried talking her out of this decision from when she was a little girl. Because this was all she ever wanted to do.

My sister wouldn't change her decision to be a veterinarian for the world though despite all the hardships and horrific situations she has encountered. It is still her passion and she does the best she can for the animals. But you have to be strong and aware of what the field offers you and what you can offer to the animals and make sure it is truly something you have a passion for and want to do despite the challenges.
 
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