Back to College after 20 Years

I'm 38, so I'm pretty close to your age. School is going great...I am doing SO MUCH BETTER than the first time around. I was a little worried originally that I would have trouble with all the sciences, but I've excelled at them. Not sure if it's age or just good old fashioned curiosity, but I'm a much better student than I was in my twenties.

Good luck!

I am 49 years old and started an accelerated ADN program in October.

Taking finals next week for the 1st 5 classes, which included Micro, A & P 1, Algebra, English and Psychology. It's been a tough 10 weeks but I'm doing pretty well. I graduated high school in 1977, so I was a little nervous about this. I worked at a newspaper for 24 years as a graphic artist and my job was outsourced to India.

I am grateful for the opportunity to start a new career! You can do it!

Older students often are very high achievers, go for it, you have plenty of time left.

Thanks, polka-dot. I hope I do well in my science classes, too. I know I am more patient and detailed now. I'm glad to hear that the second time around can be great! I am pretty excited.

Thanks for the encouragement. Plenty of time, right? It sounds like you have a hefty courseload right now.

AZMOMOF2 - I started my prereqs at 45 and graduated from nursing school at 50. You have all the time in the world. I found being an older student challenging in some ways, but I also found age to be more of an advantage than a disadvantage. I started my prereqs in CA but went to nursing school at a college in northern Minnesota, and actually had to order my high school transcripts when I started (didn't know they kept them that long). I remember not being a very good student in high school, but OMG, my poor Mother. My grades were terrible. Needless to say, I was a much better student in my 40's and really enjoyed going back to school - learning is much more fun when you want to do it. Good luck with everything. You'll do great and it will be well worth it.

On more thing. Don't panic when you buy your books that first semester of nursing school. I literally started crying when I brought them all home - but everything ended good. It can be overwhelming at times, but the sense of accomplishment throughout your time in school and when you get your nursing degree, as well as when you are on the job, is second to none. Good luck!

AZMOMOF2 - I started my prereqs at 45 and graduated from nursing school at 50. You have all the time in the world. I found being an older student challenging in some ways, but I also found age to be more of an advantage than a disadvantage. I started my prereqs in CA but went to nursing school at a college in northern Minnesota, and actually had to order my high school transcripts when I started (didn't know they kept them that long). I remember not being a very good student in high school, but OMG, my poor Mother. My grades were terrible. Needless to say, I was a much better student in my 40's and really enjoyed going back to school - learning is much more fun when you want to do it. Good luck with everything. You'll do great and it will be well worth it.

Thanks, Julz. I picked up my college transcripts today and I am glad my mom never saw my grades! You're giving me a lot of hope, here. I'm ready to start and I have already registered for my first pre-req to start in January. Thanks for the good information!

I'm not an older student as you can see from my age, but I would just like to say that I'm really happy you've decided to go back to school. I think that's great. I've been informing my dad & his girlfriend to go back to school when they retire (they're in their 60's) because at my comm. college you can go for free if you're I think 62 and I think it's a wonderful thing Hahah even though they're much older than you, I still think it's wonderful that you are challenging yourself and doing what YOU want to do. Good luck to you, I'm sure you'll do great! If you're going back you've already proven that you have the confidence and drive / desire to do what it takes!

AZMOMOF2 - You are welcome. I remember that excitement and I excited for you too. Best of luck. Although AZ is not my favorite place - nothing personal, I'm not a desert person - I do have friends there and may end up working a contract some day (in the winter). Who knows - maybe we'll work together some day. Study hard but don't forget to rest that "old" brain once in awhile.

I'm back in school after a 40 year gap. I found that any memory cells I've lost in the interim are more than compensated for by an improved work ethic, better time management skills, and a whole bunch more maturity.

The only downside is that I do feel like a duck out of water when surrounded by my 19-year-old classmates.

In any case, best of luck in your educational endeavors.

I just turned 41 and am in my second year of nursing school. I started prereqs after being out of school for 20 + years. I worked full time and had a 10+ year old (who just turned 16). I was worse off because I didn't even have a bachelors. I am going for my BSN now. I remember working full time all day and then taking prereqs at night. That is why it took me so long to get through them, but I knocked each one out methodically and was able to maintain straight A's. You really do become much more focused and determined when you are older. I shudder to think about my high school grades. Luckily my prereq grades got me into the schools I applied to and so far I love nursing school. (I retired from my job of almost 21 years to attend nursing school full-time) It is certainly challenging and there are times when I can imagine myself pulling out all my hair, but overall it has been a good experience. I am looking forward to becoming a nurse. And even though I am 41 I feel there is plenty of time.

Best regards,

Jean