OT: thinking of going back to school - anyone else?

[LibertyLover]

Danielle,

First of all - wonderful news! I'm glad that you have made the decision you did. It will be tough for a while, but the ultimate outcome will be worth it.

To be honest I think that what you decide to major in will be the deciding factor as to whether or not you should take a class over. My stepdaughter who is 24 was an environmental sciences major in college. She got a job straight out of school in her field for a government contractor at Aberdeen Proving Grounds (and yes, I've heard of Lackawanna College - lol) where she worked for 2 years and just a few months ago switched to work for another contractor there doing entomology (bugs). She says that the advances in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental and other hard sciences in just the short time she has been out of school are astounding. That's not to say that Basic Chemistry has changed that much, but in terms of understanding the "200" or "300" level classes, you might do better to at least audit the "100" level classes.

On the other hand, if you go in for paralegal studies, very few of the classes you have taken previously will be required, except for filling in the core requirements. Legal writing, for example, is magnitudes different from writing your basic research paper. Legal research is also different from regular research you'd do for a paper. So, before you worry about taking a class over, decide what you think you want to do - or perhaps you could take a synthesis - paralegal courses with an environmental sciences minor and get a job with the state's environmental enforcement division for example. Good luck. And let us know how you do.

 

[McKeeFamily3]

I just wanted to say how timely and encouaging this post has been for me.
Just yesterday I sent for enrollment forms to a local college.
I'm a 34 old mostly SAHM and part time (evenings) pizza shop manager. 99 percent of my coworkers are high shcool kids and the main topic of conversation lately has been about going to college. It makes me sick to my stomach seeing all these bright eager teenagers setting goals and taking the first steps to accomplishing them. It's not the kids that make me feel this way. It's the fact that I have done nothing with my life. I'm 34 and wear a visor and and apron to work every day. This REALLY bothers me.
I have always wanted to go to college but my family comes first. I married young and started having babies right away. It has been very important to me and my DH that I be home for the children. Well my last baby will be in 1st grade next year and my oldest is going back to school next year. I have been homeschooling her for the last 2 years. She's ready to go back to school and SO AM I!!! I have really enjoyed teaching her and have such a feeling of pride and joy in her and myself for everything that she has learned and everything that I have taught her. So I have decided to get my teaching degree.
Now the only hurdle is actually getting accepted to college. I don't even remember my SAT scores or my GPA. I know that my SATs weren't that great. They weren't that bad either. I'm pretty nervous.

So anyway, good for you and good for all of us that are ready to move on and expand our horizons!

 

[djm99]

When I turned 28 something hit me with bang. I put 3 years in a University and did not complete school. Why would a person quit right before their senior year. Yeah, I got married (at 22), but I didn't have the excuse of a child - I just quit!!! Big mistake for me!!! I had a job that paid okay when I was 24 - paid in mid-thirties - but as I got a little older (age 28) I was up for a promotion - to make a long story short - I didn't get it - It was given to a girl who had about the same amount of time as I, same skills, and I'm pretty confident that I worked just as well as she, I had way more people skills than she, but what she had was a degree - It angered me!!! I knew this would continue to happen!! So I decided to go back to school. Now 3 years later - I have finished not just a BA - but completed 2 Masters - one I finished in Dec 04 the other this summer - posted Aug 05 (both related fields)!!! Was it worth it - Oh boy yeah!!! Maybe in a few years, I'll be called Dr. Never know!!!

Going back to school was such a high for me!!! It was a totally different experience this time - I went to learn!!! My job pays up to $10,400 in tuition a year to return to school so excuses were zero - I think everyone who has the time and opportunity to go for it!!! If you don't - it will be one of those things you regret no doing!!!

 

[djm99]

I have NO idea where to start. We are in dept and go on vacation and have tons of bills. I can go to school probably through my job, if it is in my field, they will help pay for it. So, I am confused, BUT i now know (after 38 years) what my second choice inb life would be....CHILDREN!

I'll tell you where to start - the beginning!!! I would make phone calls around town - I think you will be surprised how many accelerated courses are being offered in your town. Many colleges and universities have programs specifically designed for working adults. Online class and programs (like the one I attended here in St. Louis) where you only have to attend classes once a week). Many programs only require 6 hours (2 classes - mostly) a semester. Although 6 hours sounds like a lot – I did two classes 1 day a week from 4:30 –10pm. We NEVER stayed to 10pm. And you can work around the graphic artist bit. Do you know that many people are looking for Art and computer teachers - I know in the mid-west they are!!! You could teach graphic design. For example, I attend Fontbonne University in St. Louis, they offer a Computer Education degree - you can work around that and- almost all of the courses are online courses - trust me - go for it!!! You just have to be creative – but find out about your employers tuition reimbursement policy. My job requires 3 years after the last semester they pay for. You could still end you teaching children. Check with the tech schools too in your area!!! You can make it happen – how – JUST DO IT!!!

 

[Nicks2Angels]

It is very odd that I have been really clicking with where a lot of you are in your lives right now! I have been tossing around going back to school as well.

I have a bachelors in business (Marketing) & in arts (Promotional Comm). I worked for years at an ad agency, but decided to stay at home when my daughter was born 3 1/2 years ago. Fast forward to now, with a family, I can not put the hours in I used to or travel like I did. The job was high paying, stressful & completely unsatisfying. It's funny how your persepctive changes.

I am interested in elementary education or nursing. Do not know which for certain, but now I am more concerned with hours that jive with my children's & making the world a better place. I also want to have another baby.

I wish everyone well on their endeavors.