You look around the classroom, pencil poised and mind open. You’re a college student again!
But then you get the sinking feeling that not only are you the oldest student in class, but that you are likely the same age as most of the students’ parents.
If you’re heading back to college at a traditional undergraduate on-campus program, it is possible that you may be the oldest student in your classes.
But who cares? You shouldn’t. Remember, once you’re in college, you are, for all intents and purposes, an adult—whether you’re 21 or 41.
These aren’t kids you’re in school with; they are now your peers.
Here are some benefits of being an adult learner:
* You have a good idea what you want to do with your degree after graduation.
* You have more experience balancing life, work and school commitments than younger people do.
* You get to be a role model to your family, your children, and the other students at the college.
* You don’t have to deal with some of the social pressures that some of your younger fellow students face during college.
* You can draw from life experiences to illustrate class concepts and essay topics.
* You can apply what you’re learning in class directly to your job.
* At the end of a long week, you can (legally) kick back with a cocktail, unlike the other underclassmen!
Hope that last one made you smile!
What has your experience been? Have you been the oldest in any of your classes?
