I'm 38 - going back to school!! Scared!!

[chefkellyb]

I'm encouraged! I'm 36 with 2 kids 4 & 6 working full time and thought - how can I do it?!?! But now I know I'm not alone and can do it!!! I have to write my essay this weekend, finalize getting my references, take the Praxis I exam, and have an interview meet with someone from the college next Weds. Whew!!! Alot of work to get started, but after reading these stories, I'm pumped! Financially we will break even, or even a little under - but WOW - summers off with my kiddies!!! (Now don't get me wrong - that's not my only reason to do it) Wish me luck on my interview and taking that exam!

 

[stm61]

I went back to school at 32. I was a single parent and already had a BS in Business. I hadn't qualified for financial aid the first time around, I thought sure I'd qualify this time (single parent, very low income). Nope, I already had a BS and that disqualified me from any type of grant. Didn't matter that I'd received no aid before, I wasn't getting any this time either. My choices were another BS in education or a Master's. The BS would take 3 years at a state school. The Master's was a program for anyone with any type of 4 yr undergrad degree, regardless of subject area, and could be done in 2- 2 1/2 yrs. Only catch was it's a private college which is more expensive. I took the Master's program and used student loans to pay for it. I also borrowed for living expenses because the classes were not usually offered at times that allowed me to work a full-time job. Eleven years later I've spent 4 years teaching, 1 yr on maternity leave, and 6 years in full-time military, and still owe over $15,000. I figure I'll be collecting social security (should it still exist) and using that to pay off the last of my loans.

 

[CindyKansas]

I am 47 and I returned to college in January also for teaching. I already have a BS in Natural Resource Management/Parks and Recreation but after working in a flower shop the past 19 years I decided I needed a change. After careful consideration I quit my full time/great benefits job and we are living on my husbands income. I did receive scholarships so that really helped a lot. I recently started a very part-time job but that's a job that I took just to make money for Disney. This is my second semester back, after 20 years, and I believe school is easier now. I am taking a lot of computer classes and education classes and I have recently come to the decision that teaching is not going to be for me. I talked to my advisor on Monday and I believe I am going to attend a private university in August and just work on my graduate degree. I am really planning on doing an internship at WDW in January. DH & DD are really encouraging me to do this.

I say go for it and don't look back.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

As others have mentioned, look for the scholarships! Obviously apply for the financial aid, but don't assume you won't get anything if you don't get need-based aid. I've only been to college during the "traditional" time frame, but I remember being jealous---they were practically begging "non-trads" to take these scholarships. They weren't huge amounts for each scholarship, but they were quite plentiful!

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

I graduted nursing school in May 2006 at the age of 31, it took me 5 years part time, but I did it with 2 kids and worked part time, it was hard but so worht it,

I agree with a previous poster I was a way better student this time around

Tons of luck, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GoofyBaby]

Congratulations on going back to school! Three years ago, I returned to college (part-time) at 32, graduated with my Associates Degree in Arts in May of this year and I am now working full-time on my Bachelor's Degree in Music Education (yep, I want to be a Music Teacher!). I do have to admit, though, to having doubts that I'll be a good teacher. . .but if I can touch just one student and make a difference, then it will all be worth it!

It is so wonderful to see so many DISers returning to college! It was one of the best decisions I've ever made and I am sure many of you feel the same way!