Giving it the "Old college try"

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AT THE AGE OF 48, I FEET IT IS REALLY RIGHT TO TAKE THIS LIFE-CHANGING STEP FOR MYSELF, EVENTUALLY.

I want to get an advanced degree for self-improvement to better equip myself with the tools I need to remain current in my field of work. I believe it's never too late to believe and never too late to dream.

The motivation for this article is that I’m going back to college in a few days’ time - eek! Needless to say, I’m filled with anxiety, excitement and all sorts of panic all at once. I think it is enriching to be able to meet people of various ages and experiences and to connect with young people. 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to believe you’re too old. Too old for what? For living your life more fully? For daring to “be what you might have been”? Absolutely not! My main anxiety is going to school with kids half my age. So what if I haven’t set foot in a classroom in 25 years? I understand that I might be the oldest student in the class, but as long as I apply myself, it shouldn't be an issue - right? I believe I can learn something from everyone, and everyone has something they can learn from everyone, regardless of age.

Recently I came across this article about late bloomers, people who had not found their calling until after age 40. As a late bloomer myself, I found it intriguing. So I thought I’d do a little research and create a short list of things for people who did their “blooming” after age 40 should look out for.

So, if you're going back to school as an adult, your life is about to become just a little tougher. When you were in school before, you were younger, you cared a little less and believe it or not, your brain was set up to absorb new information more easily. But, going back to school as an adult doesn't have to be all that tough. Adult students returning to school can find fitting in stressful, maybe even a little intimidating. It doesn't have to be. I'm going to tell you some things you'll really need to know to be successful in school as an adult (this goes for me too).

• Let your experience shine. Remember that you have a lot to bring to the table, "old" is a completely relative term. You may feel old at 30, but to that 53-year-old student sitting across the room, you belong to the younger crowd, and to the person who could be in their eighties, you’re still a kid. Age is in the eye of the beholder, not to mention the heart. 

• Be supportive of your classmates. They're probably young and this really is their first rodeo. Help them out, but only if they ask.

• Don't judge. Everyone already does, don't add to their burden.

• Keep an open mind, everyone has something to teach you. The experience you bring to the classroom because of your age is part of what makes you such a bonus, no matter what level it's at.

• Don't try to be buddies with the teacher. Just because you’re the same age as the teacher, or quite possibly older, resist the normal temptation to buddy up to him or her. A friendship with your teacher should be like any other relationship - natural.

• Get your family on board. Going back to school will be easier if you have a supportive family, so make sure to discuss your plans with your spouse or partner and your children if you have them.

I hope this information helps to make my (and yours) journey a little bit lighter. I will do my best to follow my own advise and I'm looking forward to mine and hope that I come out sane on the other side (three years later). 

Please feel free to share if you have any similar experience. But also, here's wishing the best to all of you who are going through the same journey as me.

Your comments are always welcome.