I am 26 years old, single mom. I have pursuing this career since I was 22 yrs old. In this time I was in the Army Reserve, had a baby and had rough times with my child's father. In and out of court, child support, custody. Because of this, due to poor grades, I had to repeat classes and now its draining the hell out of me. Hopefully I will start nursing school this January. I dont know, I feel like I am getting too old. I work in the hospital and I see 22 yr old nurses and I feel a tinge of jealousy.... I dont know I just feel like I am too old sometimes but I am really worried. I am also worried about paying for college,, the school I want to go to costs about 26k a yr for 2 yrs....I dont know but Im gonna try...
I'm 26 with a husband and 5 children under the age of 6 1/2. If I can muster up the energy to go for it, you can too! Keep your chin up and push on through, it will be worth it, you will ALWAYS be able to provide for your child! Good luck hun!
Wow! Five kids under 6 1/2!?!?! Good for you!!! I have one at 2 and that is hard enough! You are amazing! :)
I"m 40, I wish I could remember what 26 felt like.
LOL - me too! I'll be 40 next month and just finished my nursing pre-reqs!
26 is SO young - I'd love to be that age again and know what I know now!
I love this forum :) I had doubts about starting a new career at my age, but I feel better reading about people my age and beyond doing this!
To the original poster: I think you might be eligible for Pell grants and lots of other financial aid. You might want to start by filling out the FAFSA to see what you may be eligible for.
I'm a single mother too. I have two children, a mortgage, and a jerk for an ex-husband. I work full-time, am on my own, and I am making this happen. You definitely can do this.
I'm 28 and about to finish my prereqs in the summer. I'll be applying to an Accelerated nursing school in June for the Fall semester. I feel bad that I didn't stick with nursing when I first entered college, but I can't turn back the times.
i know just how you feel, i wish i stuck to nursing when i first started college (i would be in NS as of now if i did) but no my job held me back and i switched then lost the job so i am finally pursuing my dream!
at least we are sticking to it now, and staying til the end!
Girlfriend, I just turned 48 a week ago. I've spent the past 25 years being at home raising 8 children. My nurses during those births were my heroes. I'm on my way to becoming one of them to give back. I take my last prereq this Fall. I don't know if I'll make it, but i'm going to press on until I hit a brick wall. Then I'm going to look for a ladder... or a bulldozer. ;-)
Don't put obstacles like age in your path -- it really is a non-issue.
To old? You're 26! You have your whole life ahead of you and you've come so far. I'm 28 and have 2 more years until I even get into nursing school because I'm going part time. I have had to repeat classes too. Honestly, I think It's better when your a little older and are more mature because it isn't easy. I have 3 young kids, the oldest is in Kindy and it is tough. Going through custody issues is so walk in the park either but if there's a will then there's a way. And you are almost there!
I'm new to the board after lurking for a little while. But, you're definitely not too old. I'm 32 & 2 classes short of finishing all my prerequisites. It's taken me way too long but I feel the same way as you.
As long as you're doing something you want to do, that's all that matters, i think :) Good luck!
I know how you feel! I work in a specialty office with RN's and Sonographers that are younger than I am and alot I mean alot of times it's a real downer but you're never too old to go back to school! I am 33 years old I have 5 kids and I am a single mother although I do get help from their father but sometimes it's not enough so I did my heels in a tredge forward and every so often remind myself when I start to get discouraged it that all that I am going through will benefit them. so be encouraged and focused on the grand prize! :)
addiesmom
102 Posts
Wow! Five kids under 6 1/2!?!?! Good for you!!! I have one at 2 and that is hard enough! You are amazing! :)