What is college like? Talk to me!

GracefulRN · May 21, 2004

I know how you feel, but you are stressing yourself out unnecessarily. The first day of class is VERY laid back. Most of the time you just get your syllabus, talk about the course objectives, and possible start the first section of the course. That is it. Your proffesor more than likely will NOT call on you the first day, unless it is to take attendance. Why would he call on you that day, you haven't had an assignment yet, right? You might be asked to introduce yourself, but you are more than capable of reciting your name and why you are there.

You sound like a very concerned student, and if that is the case you will have no trouble with the classes. Just use your fear of failure to your advantage and work really hard. You can do it. :)

By the way, not that you won't have to study, but Sociology and English are soooooo doable in a summer course. Sociology, IMO, is very common sense and English is more paper writting than anything else. Good luck, and let us know how your first day goes.

bbear · May 21, 2004

I completely understand your trepidation. I went back to school at the age of 34 and had the same concerns. Let me assure you, it's not going to be as bad as you think.

Although I often felt out of place sitting in a room full of 18 to 20-year-old students, I quickly learned I could use my age to my advantage. The professors always loved having me in their class because I was a "non-traditional" student. I wasn't afraid to participate in class discussions (as many of the younger students were) and my life experiences always seemed to add an interesting perspective to things. As I was also a husband and father, my partying days were long behind me. So I didn't miss much class and I was always organized and ready to learn when I got there.

Play to your advantages and you'll be fine. Just don't get behind. In fact, try to get ahead of the curve if you can. And make sure your professors know who you are and that you care about your education. That can make all the difference in the world.

shel_wny · May 22, 2004

College is wonderfully laid back. Chances are you won't be called on or if it is it will just to be to say your name and what you're there for on the first day. No big deal!

Half the kids are going cause mom and dad paid for it and they dont care about anything because they dont want to be there. Those are the people that will show up for only 1/4 of the classes.

The rest of the people are there for themselves and you will learn the most from them. I'm very quiet in all of my classes and in most of them I've said nothing all year. I've made a few friends who are also self-motivated and that's so helpful if ever I have to miss a class or don't understand an assignment. A phone number of someone in your class is a good thing to have.

Just remember: Don't Panic.

I go to school with people in my classes ranging in age from 18 all the way up to 56. About half the class is over 30. I love the diversity and I find it very enjoyable. You'll fit right in. Everyone is a bit anxious the first day. Just bring your favorite bottled beverage, sit near the back if that comforts you, and try your best to relax. :)

Shel

DUCKGIRL · May 25, 2004

Do you know how many people don't have the guts to tackle higer education? Be proud! even if you don't know all of the answers....

Hello all.
I start English1 Monday and Sociolgy1 in July. They're acclerated summer courses and require a lot of reading and studying....from what I've been told...
Classes are in the evening 3 days a week...
I also start my Patient Care Technician program in June, which runs for 8onths... 4weeky, 6hrs day...at a Medical training school
Come Sept. I take A&P1,PYSC1 and Math in the evening...
My big worry is I've been out of school for 10 years and feel a little lost and out of place. My fiance thinks I'm crazy to worry about ENG1 but I can't help it!
The thought of walking into my first class on Monday makes my stomach queasy..:uhoh21: I'm a bag of nerves and can't sleep! Everytime,I stress, I lose my voice...The thought of the Professor calling on me and nothing coming out of my mouth but a squeal, is a sad thought.. Please tell me what to expect as a first time student...non traditional and excited but terrified of my college experience...Thanks!

mariedoreen · May 25, 2004

Oh my gosh, I remember this! I went back to school when I was 29 and I can still remember how I felt after I paid hundreds of dollards of our money for my first two college classes, opened up my textbooks and wondered "what in the world have i done?" I was sure I wouldn't be able to handle it (I finished that term with a 4.00). Relax, you're going to be so fine! I've gone to school for 5 years now part-time and don't ever once remember being called on unless I was raising my hand... most of the time we just speak up when we have something to say and keep them shut when we don't. Soc and Eng are awesome classes for summer accelerated programs and I did my nursing asst class in the summer too and it went very well. You'll be fine and you'll be nervous and you won't be the only one who's nervous. And, I guarantee it, there will come a day very, very soon when the nervousness will be gone. And then the next new term will start and you'll feel nervous again, but it won't be as bad and the more time goes on the better and better it will get. Congratulations on going back to school. It has been one of the best experiences of my life and I'm so glad I didn't let the jitters scare me off, they most definitely wouldn't have been worth it!

Truly_Blessed · May 25, 2004

Be cool:) I just completed my second semster of college, and I never thought I would be able to say that. I felt exactly like you on my very first day. I thought I was going to die. But within a week I was comfortable. And after the first test, I was REALLY comfortable....because then, you know how you're instructors work, and what their tests are like...so then you can find your own little groove as far as how you study the course material. Seeing other students who were also making an attempt at higher education for the first time made me feel alot better about what I was doing also. Chin up! So many people make excuses for not going back to school, and you are one of the ones that has decided to buckle down and just do it. That in itself is a major accomplishment IMO. I know it was for me. You are going to be awesome. Let us know how it's going!

Energizer Bunny · May 25, 2004

Okay, so how are you doing now that you have started? I loved college, so much more than High School and like you, I went back 10 years after I graduated. I was terrified too and then found there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of.

coolatta19 · May 25, 2004

I "survived" my first day of class...:) You were all right...it was laid back and uneventfull..Just introductions and a review of the syllabus...

Your word's of wisdom and support came in handy...Every single post of encouragement and advice was on my mind as I walked into class...Thanks for all your kindness!

BamaGirlRN · May 25, 2004

Congratulations!!

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · May 25, 2004

I agree with all the replies to your post. Going back after 10 years will not be as bad as you think, don't be afraid!

I'm starting my 4th semester of co-reqs and I love it.

nursemichelle · May 25, 2004

Don't worry, I was like you...I was just sick about going, I walked up the sidewalk the first night, then back out to my car and then back in again lol! Then after the first class, I was just sooo proud of myself for actually doing it, and was so excited about being there! Don't worry, you'll do fine, it is way more laid back than high school, and I never was called on unless I indicated I knew an answer, good luck!