34 and going back to College Advise

[reddixie]

Ok I bit the bullet and applied to our local community college for fall classes! I am excited but scared. I haven't told anyone in MRL yet. I have done this before but we always move right after I am accepted. 3 times already so I am hoping this time I can attend. I want to go for Legal Assisting. So do you think there are enough jobs out there for this field. Should I reconsider my major. I live in Central Florida and would love to do this but I need a steady paycheck with a stable career when I get done. I have been a SAHM for 12 years and am ready to move on with my life. DD is almost 14 and while I am still needed I don't have so many crazy things to do anymore. Thanks for listening and all advise.

 

[momrek06]

GOOD FOR YOU, OP!!!! YEAHHH!!!! Doing something for yourself!!!!

GOOD LUCK!!! I applaud you. Hang in there, I hope you enjoy the school, classes and the friends you will meet along the way..young and old!

 

[bevtoy]

Good for you! I am 47 and in college......... I could have diapered the behinds of most of the people in my classes. I feel like their Mom or Grandma even.

 

[barkley]

congrats! a great thing to do!

i would query people in the field-also see if the college keeps any stats on how many graduates actualy stay on in the field. don't know if legal assisting is anything akin to being a paralegal-but i've known at least a couple of people who went through the program, loved it, but left the field within a year. they complained that the pay was too low and they did'nt feel they were compensated for the amount of work they did.

you can call the "work force development" department/bureau in your area (or you may have a PIC/ Private Industry Council and they can give you the official stats on professions/jobs that currently have the most sought candidates as well as those they anticipate will have a need in coming years.

 

[Cindy B]

I started going at 33. I am a teaching major, and by two years I had gotten enough credits part time to finish an associates degree and transfer as a mid junior to a state university.

I will follow that other persons advice of truly looking into the field of legal assistant. Maybe look into the studies for paralegal instead.. there may be more opportunities. I personally would steer away from any "certificate" programs and go straight for a transferable college level degree which would help you in any type of career you go into.

 

[mudnuri]

I would contact your states student assistance corp. Here, in VT we have VSAC, which offers an incredible amount of support and information regarding just about EVERYTHING that has to do with college. They specialize in adult learners too which is pretty cool!

I started back last fall, planning on the ADN route- then our schools ADN admissions changed, and beame an even tougher program to get into (50% are waitlisted each semester)...so I decided to shadow a RRT at a local hospital for the day- and transfered into the RT program. I start my RT classes this fall with my pre/co req's done. VSAC was able to provide me with figures on RT's salary, and job outlook.

Another place to contact is the local unemployment office- they have all kinds of information regarding different careers.

Congrats to you, your days will now be consumed by homework!

Brandy

 

[nordkin]

Congratulations. I graduated with a BS at the age of 42. It was hard going at night while working and taking care of a family, but it has really paid off. I suggest you talk to an advisor at the school and the job placement center. They should be able to give you an idea of the job opportunites. You could also be like me and many others. I switched majors after I had to take a Human Resources class because I was fascinated by the subject. I now have a degree in Human Resorces with a specialization in Labor Relations after starting out in Marketing. I wish you the best of luck and no matter how difficult it gets, do not stop going, because once you stop it is hard to start back.

 

[goofy's friends]

I am going back now after being a SAHM, too. It is hard to juggle, but sooo worth it. I only take 3 hours a semester right now, until the kids are in school full time. So, I like the program to be flexible and accomodating of adults with kids, work, LIFE other than sororities and parties. See if there are others your age group in the classes. That has helped me and gives me a support system. The life-experience is actually good when going back.

Congratulations! Doing something for you is very healthy and you are setting a great example for your child.

 

[tikilyn]

Congrats on going back to school. I've been toying around with the idea of going to college. It makes me nervous to even think about it. My youngest will start pre k in 2007 so It wuold be good for me to go. I'm looking into the medical field. First i have to go and take the Thea test. Fun I tell you.

Good luck

 

[grlpwrd]

WTG! I am at a community college now earning my prereqs for my business degree. It's more convenient for me and cheaper, too, compared to the nearby universities, but I do plan to transfer eventually.

I have had some awkward experiences myself like the time I walked in for placement testing and I said I was there to take a test and the person in charge told me "sit down like everyone else."

My oldest dd who is almost 15yo teased me once after I told her I have to take a computer class. She is taking an honors computer class at her high school and is getting certified. I tell her it's not amusing to make fun of someone seeking more knowledge and bettering themselves. Yes, it's good for my kids, too.

This is all certainly not enough to discourage me, though.

You should consult with a counselor at your college and yes, go to their job placement center.

GL to all of us!

 

[reddixie]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am excited but scared. I want to go full time and am worried about overload. Do you think 15 credit hours a semester is to much? Also how long is a semester anyhow? Is it like in high school Aug. through Jan.? Thanks again!

 

[MBeds]

I'm 38 and going to college too!

Good luck to everyone!

 

[Cool-Beans]

I went back to school late, too.

The only good advice I have is re: books. Find out early what books you need and then buy the previous edition off of ebay. Some books, like math, you have to get new because there is too much assigned from them that you can't copy it from someone else's book.

But most books are just for reading, and the material doesn't change from edition to edition. It took me two years to quit paying $200 for a stupid book at the college bookstore.

You can also buy new books much cheaper from a European website, which may or may not be illegal (I can't remember, but I did it.) No longer have the link, but poor college kids will.

Oh, and GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Snow Brite]

Congratulations! I am 35 and back in school as well!

It was pretty easy at the community college as there were a lot of people like me at the school. I was generally the oldest person in my class, but I always had something to say and most people listened to me and respected me. It was fun and I had to laugh at myself about being nervous what to wear on the first day.

In the 4 year school I transferred to it is more awkward. It is definitely geared towards younger students. I still enjoy it and do very well with less effort than when I went at age 18. A lot of my classes are things I have already learned by the seat of my pants (so to speak) and it is being presented in an organized fashion.

A few points, I agree about the books each semester/quarter. The first thing I do is go to class before I buy ANY books. I ask the professor if the books are all neccessary and if they have an old one I can borrow. At least one professor a quarter does have one, which is a HUGE happy thing! Then I go off-campus for my books.

Also, look for the Re-Entry Center. This is for people like you, who are coming back to school after an absence of 5 or so years. It is a WONDERFUL resource, with lots of support, advocates, and help in navigating the school.

It is easier to get into crack of dawn classes than others if you are having trouble. For some reason 19 year olds don't like to take 7am classes? LOL!

Make sure your professor KNOWS you personally. Talk to them, go visit them at office hours, have a voice in assignments you turn in. This will be important for letters of recommendation for scholarships and other programs. But also, if you have a real life issue where you cannot go to class or complete a project on time, they are more likely to excuse you than if they don't know you.