Can I do it?

mvanz9999, RN · Sep 29, 2006

It takes a good while to get back into "school". But I feel it gets easier.

LaceyRN · Sep 30, 2006

Ok,I just started back to school, I wasted time when I was 24 to go and become a medical assistant.I am now starting to go to school.I am taking Sociology, Pysc, and Music Appreciation.I am stresses to the hilt. Does it get easier after I wake up my brain? I am 34.

I am your age and just returned to school in January 2006. To answer your question, yes it does get easier once you wake up your brain, at least for me it did... it got MUCH easier. My 1st semester back I took A&P I and Micro and earned A's in both.

Good Luck... you CAN do it! :)

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 30, 2006

It is not a matter of "waking up your brain". Your brain never goes to sleep just because you are not in school. If you are active you are continuing to learn outside of school. For example, I know a guy (Registered Nurse) who was 67 when he earned his BSN and was also the valedictorian of his class. So, 34 is not an excuse for having problems in the classroom.

To be successful be sure to evaluate your reasons for taking these subjects. Are you doing so just because you feel you have no choice?? For instance you want to be a nurse because you have no choice. Or are you doing so because it is of interest to you and you have the abilities to apply the information?

Secondly evaluate your lifestyle. Is it conducive to your being successful academically? This includes work, family, and friends.

Last but not least, evaluate your study habits and your time management skills. If you are having trouble in any of these areas seek help. There should a department that specializes in tutors and other methods to achieve academic success on your college campus.

Good luck. :nurse:

lisabeth · Sep 30, 2006

Hang in there. I was a wreck my first 2 semesters back, but I am ok now. You will be fine. Just keep knocking classes out two or three at a time until you feel ready to add more on.

The science classes are pretty intense, so, you might want to take the easier classes with them, and not so many classes at at time.

Good luck

Ok,I just started back to school, I wasted time when I was 24 to go and become a medical assistant.I am now starting to go to school.I am taking Sociology, Pysc, and Music Appreciation.I am stresses to the hilt. Does it get easier after I wake up my brain? I am 34.

collegebound · Sep 30, 2006

I am 31 and started back last spring after being out of school for about 10 years. It is hard at first getting back into the groove of school. After a while though it does become easier as you find the balance between school, home, and work. I would also agree with an earlier post to start out a little slow taking just a few classes to get back into the routine before taking on a full course load. Have confidence in yourself and try to maintain a steady pace, this may help you from feeling overwhelmed. Best wishes!

one2one · Oct 1, 2006

Remember , you learn differently after the age of 30 than you did when you were younger. Study what you don't understand first thing in the morning, then your brain works all day to catagorize and store the information. Never study what you don't understand right before you go to bed. Your brain won't be able to process it. Instead, try to go over what you need to memorize right before you go to bed, your brain will keep processing it all night and store it in your memory.

augigi, CNS · Oct 1, 2006

I don't agree with the above post. I work much better and more efficiently at night. I don't recall anything I learn in the morning! Part of being an adult learner is working out what works FOR YOU. When are you most receptive to info, when do you retain it. There are thousands of websites with adult learning tips and info, and use your school's resources for adult learners.

Congrats on your new career choice!

HARRN2b · Oct 1, 2006

I am 46 and taking organic chem, AP2, microbiology and sociology. I took AP1 and chem1 this summer as an into to returning to college. I aced those 2 classes, so am going full time now, working 30+ hours a week. I also have 3 kids (the oldest is 11) and I have no help, really. If I can do it, anyone can. You will do fine.

Ak-Donya · Oct 1, 2006

Ok,I just started back to school, I wasted time when I was 24 to go and become a medical assistant.I am now starting to go to school.I am taking Sociology, Pysc, and Music Appreciation.I am stresses to the hilt. Does it get easier after I wake up my brain? I am 34.

From my experience, it does get easier after awhile. I'm 36 and found it difficult to find a schedule that worked well for me. Aside from that, I wasn't used to having to memorize and learn things in a school setting. Maybe my brain wasn't asleep, but it was definitely on vacation from the whole learning experience LOL.

It'll get easier, hang in there and let us know how you're doing! :wink2:

lisabeth · Oct 1, 2006

I agree that your brain doesnt go to sleep, but I sure feel like I had to train it to focus, or maybe re-learn how I learn best, and then how I could find ways to retain a lot of stuff. I know there is no way to retain everything, but I sure wish I could. I hate learning stuff and then forgetting. :madface: I have kind of heard that they tell you to forget everything you have learned anyway, so mabye it doesnt matter so mcuh. I still dont like it.

It is not a matter of "waking up your brain". Your brain never goes to sleep just because you are not in school. If you are active you are continuing to learn outside of school. For example, I know a guy (Registered Nurse) who was 67 when he earned his BSN and was also the valedictorian of his class. So, 34 is not an excuse for having problems in the classroom.
To be successful be sure to evaluate your reasons for taking these subjects. Are you doing so just because you feel you have no choice?? For instance you want to be a nurse because you have no choice. Or are you doing so because it is of interest to you and you have the abilities to apply the information?
Secondly evaluate your lifestyle. Is it conducive to your being successful academically? This includes work, family, and friends.
Last but not least, evaluate your study habits and your time management skills. If you are having trouble in any of these areas seek help. There should a department that specializes in tutors and other methods to achieve academic success on your college campus.
Good luck.

81ke83 · Oct 1, 2006

I went back to school 4 years ago. I find I am a much better student then when I was young. Started nursing school this fall. Just take one semester at a time and you will get there.