New to the "college"world?

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I am new to the college world. I have to admit I am a bit nerveous attending class with the "young whipper snappers". I know I am not that old myself but going back to school to reach my goals in tweleve years, its overwhelming but I am excited. My goal is to make the best of it and make friends/study partners.

I am a mom of four, worked in medical field for 16 years (last job being a chemotherapy pharmacy tech.) and I am going to school fulltime starting this fall. My plan is to make the most of being able to go to school full-time and go for my AA in business while doing pre-reqs for my main goal, RN in oncology.

Any advise for a new student?

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Dear Penguin,

I started back to college last spring. I am probably older than you and have not worked in the medical field. I started with Chemistry. I worked extremely hard at first, I had to get back into the Math. I worked then worked very hard. But it paid off. I got an A. What I noticed was the difference in maturity and all the life experience we have had, not to mention the motivation gave me a great advantage. Instead of complaining about an "unfair" exam, I just looked at what I got wrong and studied some more. Most it seemed like stuff from outer space at first, but if I read it over a few times it began to come to me. Study groups definitely help!

Good Luck!

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Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm starting with one pre-req and three prepratory classes. Unfortunately I have to do prep classes but fortunately I will be fine tunning my skills in the process.

I do agree with the fact that we have more experience and motivation behind us.

I have to admit that when I graduated high school many years ago I didn't have desire to go to college, so I started my family. No that the kids are older I want a degree and what life has to offer.

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I felt this way when I went back to school at 31. The nice thing about CCs is that you are most definitely not alone. I'm in Phi Theta Kappa and I think I might actually be the 2nd youngest regular member!

I don't know how old you are, but chances are you will not be the oldest person in any of you classes. I think most CCs have an average age around the early 30s.

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Okay...so I will be in the average range because I am 31. :). My chin is up and soon I will be posting my thoughts regarding starting school in your 30's. Thank you ladies for your advise. Its great to know your not the only one experiencing the same thoughts.:typing

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I too am starting school again after 10 years. I am a mom of 4 and have been at home for the last 4 years. My hubby is still getting used to the fact that I will be in school and eventually working again. I was a excellent student back then and I hope the years have not killed my brain cells. good luck to us all.

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Hi guys! I'm 35 and started back to school last term after 10 years off. I was so nervous because I now have a husband and a family whereas in my early 20's I had only myself (but liked to do all the 20 something stuff).

I will definately say maturity works to our advantage!! I was an okay student back then, but I am now an A student which I have NEVER been in my life. Spring term was my first term back, I took a 15 credit load and got all A's with lotsa hard work.

It is possible to manage a family/household and still go to school and be a good student all at the same time. I haven't regretted once going back.

Best wishes to everyone!

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ladypat and Equestrienne: Thanks guys for your stories. Its great to know there are others like us managing home/goals in life. This is taking if off subject but I was watching Wife Swap and there was mom who only takes care of her family and another mom who only works while dad takes care of the family. At the end of the show the moral was that even though we are parents and/or partners doesn't mean we don't want our life goals. Speaking for myself..I lost my goal while taking care of my family and now I can manage both...everyone is happy including me. Hats off to all moms and dads who are managing home and going for their goals. :yeah: Good luck!

PS: I'm so glad you responded to my thread because it feels good to vent to others who understand your fustrations. Thank you!:typing

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I agree with you completely, Penguin!

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wow...this is so inspirational (not to be too corny)...I'm was a traditional college student until i decided to transfer and that has set me bk by a year and a half...woopie...anyway i just wanted to say that you guys shouldn't give up and the motivation is definently there (as compared to us who dont really care until it's too late)... I was always told thati t gets very hard to go bk to school once u have a family and u guys are totally turning that around and it's great. Thanks so much for doing wht ur doing and dont give up! :D Maybe we'll work together someday!

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Hi all! I am new here, and I am soo happy to see that I am not the only one going back to school after 10 years! I just wasn't motivated after HS, and then got married and had children (the third just born in April!) so I never got around to going til now. I am starting this fall semester and I am scared to death! I've been reading a lot on the forums, and just want to say thanks to everyone for all the advice I have read so far!

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