Anyone gone back to school later in life?

[Wendy]

I am seriously considering going back to school next year and pursuing something completely different than anything I've ever done before. My major in college was political science, (uselesss!!!) and I am now considering nursing school for many, many reasons. Anyone ever done this? How out of place did you feel? Was it easier or harder the second time around? I'm really leaning towards doing this, but part of me is so scared to be back in college again.

 

[tc]

My husband went to college in 1989, ten years after he graduated from high school. He had to work full-time, because his employer paid for his school, so it took him 10 years. He never felt out of place. There were a ton of other students his age. He as involved in study groups and discussion groups. He felt he got a lot more out of college at an older age. He never regrets it. He is considering going back to get his Masters, and again, he'll be with students much younger than he is.

You're never too young to go back to school if that's what you want. I say go for it, and have fun.

 

[TIdoublegaER]

I was 27 when I went back to college to finish my degree. The university I went to has an accelerated night/wekend program so that even those with no college can get a degree in 4 years while working full time. It was nice because most everyone there was an adult - not in the 18-21 range.

I think you will find that with the nursing shortage (soon to be crisis) that there will be a lot of "older" students. Nursing schools are heavily recruiting both college age kids and adults looking to change careers.

DH is a nurse and loves it. If this is something you want to do - I say go for it!

 

[LindaR]

My sister is 46. She doesn't go full time (she works) but she takes a few courses each semester. She does take one course with her 17 yo son!

Never too late!

 

[wld]

I recieved my ADN when I was 35. Most everyone in my class at the local Jr college was around my age.
I received my BSN a year and a half ago at age 43. A university brought most of the classes to our city and again most people were around my age, some older and some younger. A couple of classes I took to finish off my degree I took through a summer thing they had. Probably most were younger than me.
I had fun. With the summer classes my friend and I always had the younger ones in our room (we stayed in dorms) maybe we were a novelty but we had fun.
I had a husband and two daughters. I could not have done it without their support especially the ADN degree. Saturday was mom's study and care plan day and they knew (ages 8 and 11 at the time) they couldn't bug mom at that time.
I'm not sure which of the 4 of us were the proudest when I finished.
Nursing is a challenging, rewarding, varied, always interesting career. I love the Johnson and Johnson commercials that nurses dare to care because that is so true. (I also love a t-shirt I saw somewhere that said Do you want to talk to the Doctor in charge or the nurse that knows what is going on) But since I do love most of my docs I've never bought one (or found it again)
And guess what???? 6 months after I graduated the first time we took our first trip to WDW and got hooked!!!!

 

[Rajah]

Not really in my case unless you count taking a break for 3 or so years between bachelor's and master's, but I just wanted to wish you luck!! *HUGS*

 

[Kissimmee JP]

I know plenty of attorneys that went back to school in their 30's. There are some people that need to get stuff out of the way before they can concentrate on their career.

Actually, I'm planning on going to law school once I move back to Florida.

I wish you luck. It's never easy when you have a family, but it will pay off in the end...BIG TIME.

 

[safetymom]

I went to college at the age of 46. It was something I always wanted to do. As a Widow with 3 teenagers it was a great experience for all of us. One day my oldest said Mom you don't realize the pressure I am under at school. I said of course I do but you don't have 3 kids to care for and have school work myself.

I even made it into the Honor Society. It was the best thing I could ever have done.

 

[DVC-Don]

I ditched it all and went to college full time at age 30. I had dabbled at night college and racked up about 1 semester worth of credits before going full time. I took it very seriously and graduated Magna Cum Laude three years later. I went full time days and also took night courses, summer courses and even CLEPed 3 courses. UNH class of 85!

It was kinda strange watching the "Somewhat left of left" professors give their "slant" on things, but they left me alone mostly.

 

[Steve H.]

I'm finishing up my last semester of my MBA degree this summer, but then again, I'm pretty much the norm in my MBA classes (e.g. late 20's/early 30's, middle management, going nights).

 

[mhopset]

GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!

My Dw is in nursing school right now and will graduate on 6-15-03 with her ADN. She is 36 years old.

It has been tough, but very, very rewarding. Me and my son who is 6 years old are very, very proud of her! She has been on the Deans and Scholars List every quarter since she was went back. She was also chosen for the All Academic Team for the state of Ohio. She continues to work 24 hours a week, and has done this since she has been back in school.

It takes a lot of work and a lot of comitment. I help her a lot. I help her study (I feel I am an expert on the Endocrine system) I cook and clean and do laundry. I feel this helps her stay focused on her studies.

I can't wait unitl she graduates. She is getting one hell of a party!!!!!!!

If you want to ask any questions just PM me

Tony

 

[kdibattista]

I am 26 and just started nursing school. It's tough but I know it will be worth it in the end. I also find myself much more motivated this time around. Good Luck!!!