Is 26 too old to go back to school?

[anouk]

Hi, I'm currently working on obtaining my BSN in nursing. Before this degree, I pursued a BA in education. I thought that I wanted to be a teacher. After all it was something that I'd wanted to do since childhood. However, once midway through college something inside of me clicked. I didn't really want to be a teacher, but because I was halway through the program, and had taken loans I decided to go through with it anyway. I took my test for my credentials and once I found myself in the classroom setting, I realized that it was not what I wanted to do and should have trusted my gut instinct instead.

I was always drawn to nursing. Especially when in my junior year of college I went to my doctor and he misdiagnosed my symptoms of being the result of stress. I went to the school NP, and she ran test and found out it was more than stress. (I was SEVERELY anemic)

I was impressed and wanted to make a career change before I started my career as a teacher but was to scared to do so.

To make a long story shorter, everyone in my extended family keeps asking me why am I still in school. The one that really bugs me is everyone saying that I'm simple to old to go back to school. Should I be offended? Has anyone else heard someone say they were to old?

[Aradien]

This is probably off topic but I just wanted to say how inspiring it is to see so many falks around my age continuing on with their education. I thought I would be too old to go get my BSN at 43! :imbar But after reading this topic, I think I would be really foolish to at least not try!

Thank you.

[margaret_45662]

My mother-in-law raised her five children by herself...she was 6 months pregnant when her husband died of a heart attack. She always wanted to be a nurse. When the baby entered first grade, she started nursing school.

She was 52. Graduated at 54 and worked at the Public Health Dept. for 20 years. She's 85 this year... and a great example to me. After 33 years in nursing, I would do it all over again.

It's your life and your career...follow your heart. Your educational background will be a great asset. Take care and best of luck.

[Diahni]

Lord, no, Honey. I'm 47 and will be 48 when I get my RN next year. Follow your gut -- it's God speaking to you.

...And I'll be 54 when I get my RN - Hey, 50 is the "New 30" - Take care of yourself, and you'll be traveling at 90, too! In my case, God is definitely speaking to me, but so is my wallet. It's a good job all around.

[Diahni]

...And I'll be 54 when I get my RN - Hey, 50 is the "New 30" - Take care of yourself, and you'll be traveling at 90, too! In my case, God is definitely speaking to me, but so is my wallet. It's a good job all around.

PS, I'd like to amplify the latest post - It is absolutely true that our greatest regrets in life are about things we didn't do, not the things we did do. Go for it!

[LJJ]

26 is absolutely not to old to go back to school. After having been a LPN for 10 years at 33 I went back to school and graduated from an ADN program at age 38. I have been a RN for 10 years now and am going back to school to obtain a degree in Management and Supervision. YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN!!!!! Hang in there it will work out for you.

[ByTheLake]

Honey, if you are too old, then I am *ancient*!! I'm 32 and finishing up my ADN right now. I am in class with other students who have bachelor's in other subjects, and one who has a masters in marketing something-or-other. Several of us are over 30, and about 6 in my class are over 40. When I'm done with this, I plan to continue my education. There is no such thing as too old to continue your education. Learning *should* be a life-long pursuit.

BTW I wanted to be a teacher since childhood, and am *so glad* now that I didn't go that route.

[moodyhotrod]

I am going to be 35 next month and I am in the third semester of an AD nursing program. I think maturity helps in this profession. Although I do have to go to sleep a lot earlier than younger students my age and also I dont want to go out and party all weekend. I also know what I want, some younger students have no idea what they really want to do. After you have lived a while, then you gain insight into what is important in your life. I tried to go back when I was 25 but I had young kids and decided to wait for a while until they were older. I am glad I did. I got to be at home for them and help in class parties. Now they are old enough they dont have class parties. Anyway you are not too old.

[damarystx]

I am 33 and in my 3rd semester of nursing school, my best friend ( who I met in nursing school) is also 33, and I am by no means the oldest person in class...I plan to continue my ed thru to a masters degree, my mom completed her masters at 50 and I met a woman once who didn't get her bachelors degree until she was in her 70's nowTHAT is inspiring to me! So at 26 you are in a perfect position to continue in school. Knowledge is power! you should never quit learning! Good luck to you:nuke:

[fourthfloorpam]

I just graduated as a Nurse in May and I am 44! Soooo my answer is Heck NO!!!

I found that some people just feel threatened when you are moving forward and they are standing still. Don't let ANYONE stop you! The world is at your feet.

Pam

[HarryPotter]

I am 64 and going back to school...You can never be too old to learn...as a matter of fact, learning will keep your brain from deteriorating.

[Pompom]

BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA You youngsters are so funny ! No, you are not too old.

[Ms Kylee]

*Laughing my butt off* If 26 is too old, then I must be in the totally ancient category.. I start in March, and I'll be 3 months away from 45 when I start, 47 when I finish the LPN program (have to go part time), and probably 50ish by the time I get my RN. Go for it... I just wish I would have gotten my BSN 20 years ago instead of p*****g away 30K in a totally useless Journalism degree.