So here is my story, I'm 24 years old. I'm attending a 4 year college and I'm in my Junior year. I'm completing my pre-reqs so that I can get into the program at my school.
Here's the thing...
I have come very far, yes I know, but I can't help but get mad at myself! I should have been a nurse 2 years ago, but when I graduated from H.S...I took a year off, got lazy, and when I decided to go to Community school I didn't take it serious enough.
Now that I'm older and watch the people of my H.S. class already integrated in their field of choice I just can't help but feel discouraged, All I can think about is that I'll be so old by the time I have my FIRST bachelors degree ... Sometimes I cry to sleep thinking I'll never get there. I dont want to give up, and I know I should move forward and not dwell on the past and let go of the "what if's"... I'm just venting ... I know what I want, and I want to become a nurse. I just hope I can make it there.
I can't help but be little offended by the post. At 24, you feel too old to start nursing school? As you've read above age really plays an insignificant role in your desire to become a nurse, however, your determination is does. I am one of the oldest in every class that I take and get the best grades. I used to be conscienous about my age but I knew when I was younger I didn't have the same focus I have now. Essentially, my age is the reason I'm doing so well in school right now. Embrace your age and make it work for you. If people ask why you're still in school, you didn't find what you wanted to be until later. There is no shame in that.
I'm beginning nursing school in January, I'm 39- I'll be 41 when I graduate. I know very few people that I went to high school with who are doing anything close to what they had planned right out of high school.. at 24, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.. you're still so young still, with the world at your feet.. don't give what you 'should' have done another thought. What purpose does it serve you?? As far as your mom goes- tell her to either get on board and support you or to butt out. I know that sounds harsh, but there is no use in beating a dead horse. You are where you are now and can only move forward. Good luck!
In my cohort we have every age ranging from 19 year olds all the way up to a lady who is 57 and this is her first degree. I'm 23 but I'd say the majority of people in my cohort are over 30. You're never to old to start fresh and live your dream!
If you keep up with your "Geritol" and try eating a few prunes in the morning you may be able to squeeze a few years into your practice after you get your BSN- even if it takes you till you are almost 28 to get into practice. I know it dosen't seem worth it to go through all that work to only have to give it up as you suffer the ravages of old age that will inevitably set in as you near that dreaded 30, but perhaps you will find some way to use your nursing skills to help the other residents of the old-folks home you move into. Good luck!
That's amazing! I know in the end age does not matter. I just sometimes feel discouraged when I hear people say "you're still in school and don't have not one degree yet?" but to hell with them right?!
There's one problem with your post, MFRN. It's your inclusion of the last word, "right" and the question mark.
Stop worrying about what OTHER people think of your accomplishments. I'm no spring chicken, and I can tell you that, without question, you will always be your own toughest judge. So much so that you don't have room for any other "judges" in your life.
So, absolutely: To hell with them!!
Oh, and one more thing. The next time one of these idiots says, "You're still in school and don't have a degree yet?", you stop dead in your tracks, look him/her right in the eye, and then, very seriously, reply, "You've completed all that schooling (pause).....and you still don't have a clue yet." Shake your head sadly, and walk away.
Oh my girl...First of all you are still sooo young! Second of all it is NEVER to late to do what you love! I am 31 and am starting school in Jan. I have 3 kids that I am raising which makes it harder but I still feel like people look at me like "you dont have a degree?" Do what's best for you.... I agree with previous posters...your life is what you make it :)
Psh. Been there done that. I started nursing school when I was 23. I took the extended plan through college. Yeah all my friends were busy working while I was in school, yeah I got a lot of flak from my friends for it, but I didnt care. I knew that to do what I wanted it sometimes takes time.
I know exactly how you feel. I'm 23 years old and started school when I was 18. I can't help but to get discouraged as well. Someone very close to me just told me to let it go, that I was holding on to a fantasy, time is not on my side and that I should do something else, but I can't think of anything else that I want to do. Nursing is what I want to do and it's what I'm going to stick to.
So here is my story, im 24 years old...Im currently attending a 4 year college and am I'm in my Junior year, I am completing my pre-reqs so that I can get into the program at my school...here is the thing. I have come very far, yes I know, but I can't help but get mad at myself! I should have been a nurse 2 years ago, but when I graduated from H.S...I took a year off, got lazy, and when I decided to go to Community school I didn't take it serious enough....Now that I'm older and watch the ppl of my hs class already integratred in their field of choice I just can't help but feel discouraged, All I can think about is that I'll be so old by the time i have my FIRST bachelors degree...Sometimes I cry to sleep thinking I'll never get there....I dont want to give up, and I know I should move forward and not dwell on the past and let go of the "what if's"...I'm just venting...I know what I want, and I want to become a nurse. I just hope I can make it there....
Morning, Michi:
Hmm...sounds a wee bit familiar.
When I was going to school for my first bachelor's (in Computer Science) I wasn't particularly well motivated either - took me 5 years to get through CC! Then, once my Social Security stipend was toast, I had to kick myself in the rump to get that blasted degree - felt like it took forever, too. In reality, it took me about 2 1/2 years from the time I transferred from the CC up to the University level to get those magic B.Sc. letters after my name, which I earned...about age 24. So...you're in good company; try not to fret about it.
Fast forward to today; I'm now 49, and will be taking CNA training in about a week and a half. After that - start working on prereqs for LVN training, then (after bagging the LVN) finish up the leftover prereqs for transfer to a university for a BSN. Even with a pre-existing bachelor's, it's not going to be easy. But then, the best things in life rarely are!
In any case, if you need more convincing google the word "wanderjahr" & read up on it: taking a break from schoolwork isn't all that unusual - students have been doing it for centuries!
lol lol lol...Honey, I am 30, and I will be finished with the nursing program in April. I intend to go right back to school next fall, TO WORK ON A DOCTORAL DEGREE :)
Let NO ONE drill foolishness into your head, and it's quite funny to sit back and look at the individuals whom are telling you these things, they have the perfect lives right? I think not....
You don't have to tell those who misunderstand or disagree to go to hell. That's no more considerate than what they're doing to you.
You do have to live your own life and realize that there are reasons behind what we do--or don't do. Maybe you weren't ready until now. Big bunches of people rush into schooling and drop out or get lower grades than they would have just a few years later.
Instead of focusing on how old you're going to be by the time you finish, I'd encourage you to be thankful for the opportunities and the life experience you now have. Don't give anyone else a vote on your plans unless they have proved their loyalty and good intentions toward you. Even then, your vote still takes priority.
bigboi
135 Posts
I can't help but be little offended by the post. At 24, you feel too old to start nursing school? As you've read above age really plays an insignificant role in your desire to become a nurse, however, your determination is does. I am one of the oldest in every class that I take and get the best grades. I used to be conscienous about my age but I knew when I was younger I didn't have the same focus I have now. Essentially, my age is the reason I'm doing so well in school right now. Embrace your age and make it work for you. If people ask why you're still in school, you didn't find what you wanted to be until later. There is no shame in that.