Older College Student

By Jean Grzywacz

Returning to school at a later age has many challenges, as well as rewards. To succeed, you must have persistence, perseverance and determination.

Listed below are some of challenges that must be dealt with:

Goals/objective: 

 Ask yourself why you are doing this.  Is it to provide a better life for your family?  Is it to be better educated for your own self esteem?  Perhaps you want to be prepared for whatever opportunities present themselves.  

Work Place:

Many companies will pay tuition for work related courses as well as degree programs.  Some of the larger corporations offer study time during work hours. If these are not part of your companies’ employee benefits, inquire about them.  Many times if you are a valued employee, companies will honor some of your requests, as it is in their best interest to do so.  Good employees with potential are not easy to find.

Family:

Going back to school has an effect on your whole family.  Explain to them why you are doing it; you will need their cooperation and understanding.  You will be away from home more, will probably miss some school events, and fall behind on household chores. Keep in mind why you are doing it, remember that in the end the whole family will benefit.

Study Time:

You must make time to study. You will need quiet time. If you are a morning person, you can get up while everyone else is still in bed.  You will be well rested and able to concentrate.   Night people do very well after the rest of the household has settle down for the evening.  Some people prefer to go to the library.  What ever works for you, do it. Being older is not a barrier to getting good grades, perhaps it is an asset, because we know why we are doing it and are determined to do the best we can.

Course Completion:

When you receive that final grade, you will feel such a wonderful sense of accomplishment. You know it was a job well done. You never know what doors education will open for you.