Inspired by Soccer Princess.....What age (if any) is too old to return to school.....

[dumboiu]

........to either start a new career or simply to obtain an advanced degree for personal self-fulfillment?

What is your opinion????

 

[monkeyboy]

Never to old to learn something

 

[browneyes]

Age is never an issue with learning. It's the willingness inside you that is.

 

[Serena]

Didn't I hear of someone going back to school at around 90. It's never too late.

 

[kasar]

Well, I'm 35 and starting again in September (actually, finishing up - I left with a handful of credits over 10 years ago). I'm nervous but excited and I hope to figure out what I want to do when I grow up!

There was a letter in Dear Abby (Ann Landers?) a long time ago from someone who really wanted to start med school at an older age but was afraid of how old he'd be in 10 years when he was done. She asked him how old he'd be in 10 years if he didn't go. I guess that has stuck with me.

 

[chager]

If I recall correctly there was a person around 80 receiving her Masters when my friend received hers. I know she used a walker and received a standing applause for it.

 

[Alice28]

I don't think one is ever too old. I have a B.A. that I earned the "old-fashioned" way- getting it by the time I was 22. I went back to school last year, and I took a chemistry course, toying with the idea of getting an A.S. in nursing....oh my gosh, between being a Mom to two little ones, working 35 hours and week, and taking this 5 unit course-----I don't know how people who go to school full time, work and take care of their families do it! I still would like to go into nursing someday, but it will have to wait til my kids are older!

BTW- I got a B+ and it was my first time EVER taking a Chemistry course- I always stuck with Biology and Physiology in H.S. and College the first time around. Yay for me as I was very nervous about it.

 

[snoopy]

My grandmother took a Russian Literature class a couple of years ago. She would have been about 80 at the time. She also drives a sportscar and has a boyfriend. She's a spitfire, to say the least.

I say you are never too old to learn, in fact, I think the older you are the better your life experiences allow you to learn and understand.

 

[Deb in IA]

Learning is a life-long process that only ends when you draw your last breath.

 

[olena]

Learning should be a lifelong process. Age is irrelevant.....IMO....

 

[Kitty 34]

I think it really depends on the individual and what kind of time he/she has to put forth in going to school.

Also, I want to add a "hi Dumboiu"!! Haven't seen you around lately.....so happy to see your thread!

 

[CBRorBust]

There is one major pro and one major con for me when there are "older" non-traditional students in a class with me.

Pro-
They bring a lot of good feedback/input, etc. to the table in class discussions.

Con-
When you get put to do a group project, they do not know the meaning of PROCRASTINATION! Ugh...this drives me nuts!

 

[RitaZ.]

I agree, age doesn't matter. When DH was in college, one of his classmates was a retired man in his late 60's. He and his brother owned their own business, a convenience store. He was working on getting his B.S. in E.E. (electrical engineering) and he was truly amazing, full of energy and optimism. He knew that his chances of finding employment after graduation were not that great, but he was doing it for personal fulfillment.

CBRorBust brought up a good point. "Older" students aren't there to make mom and dad happy (not saying that ALL younger students are like that), they are there for themselves and take their work seriously. For you or anyone else that's thinking about it, just go for it!