Second week

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Okay guys....I am on my second week of school this week. I took summer classes, but this is my first actual college experience. I am taking my pre reqs for ADN, and to be quite frank....I had no idea it would be this overwhelming. I felt really bad last week, kind of like being kicked in the stomach and losing my breath. I just thought it would be easier this week, but it doesn't seem so yet. I just wanted to tell others who have started college my feelings and see if anyone else felt this overwhelmed or if it's just me. It doesn't help that I am 31 and have classes with all these young people who make me look so old....I am running myself ragged trying to keep everything organized so I don't forget an assignment.....sheesh...sorry, not trying for a pity party here, but wanted to see how others felt when they started. I shudder to think how i will feel when i actually start nursing program, but maybe I will have it under control by then...thanks for listening to my rambling....take care all and good luck!

yes, I know how it is:) I am 35 and have three boys to raise. It is really tough going back to school after so many yrs. But you know what as hard and time consuming that it is, I love the feeling of accomplishment that i get. It is a great confidence booster.

Hi Robin,

I just finished my prereqs this summer and will be starting nursing school in a few weeks. I went back last spring, and boy, was I ever in the same place you are! I had to tell myself every single day that I could do it, that I could make it. Several days, I literally had to force myself to go to school!

One thing that helped me was getting an inspirational picture and putting it up by my computer (which is also where I study). Every time I look at the picture, it reminds me of why I'm doing what I'm doing, and why the sacrifices now will be worth it in the end.

You'll do fine, I promise! And also, 31 IS NOT old! ;)

Krista

Robin,

You are a spring chicken compared to me......I am 42! And got my bifocals yesterday!! :(

I am finding it every bit as difficult as you are.

My kids are 16. 10, and almost 7.....

Keeping one foot in front of the other.....

Marla

Robin,

First of all...you are a spring chicken compared to me. I am 38 now and will be 40 (oh my gosh!!!!) when I graduate the ADN program. I started this new journey 3 years ago and I thought it would only take 3 years at the most to finish. But being young, dumb, AND stupid when I graduated high school (decided to party in college instead of get an education)...I had to take a detour last year. Here's something for you...I graduated from high school in May 1981...I graduate in August 2001 with an Associate of Arts Degree (that's 20 years after high school). I must say...I was VERY proud of myself when I walked across that stage, looked up in the crowd, and saw my children clapping for me!!! I knew this had all been worth it!!! And the next two years would be worth it even MORESO!!!

I guess what I'm getting at here is this. To ME...you are still one of the "young people who make me look so old". But I am not concerned with the young people...I am only concerned about myself. Yes, I was nervous when I started classes back up with 18 year old new high school graduates, but honestly, MANY of those kids didn't finish out the semester in some of my classes. So hang tough...don't worry about the young 'uns in your classes and believe that you CAN and WILL do it!!!!!!!!!!

Geesh!! Let me get my walker out!! LOL!! I'll be almost 48 when I graduate!!

This is how I get through it. Because I have worked at allot of jobs, waitressing, trainer, bartender, etc, I treat this like a full time job. It seems to make it easier. I DON'T compare myself to the age of the other students. I am active in the student government, and nursing club at our university, and it is allot of fun!!

As far as studying, my family knows and understands (most of the time) that this is NOT just for me, but for us. When I graduate we will be able to have a better quality of life, not have to live paycheck to paycheck and hubby and I will have a nice retirement (not having to live on social security only)

So for those of you who think you are "old", I say GARBAGE!!! My arthritis, sleep patterns, and life have been flipped upside down, but this has given me a new sense of "being someone, someone useful"!

Put your walkers away and ENJOY this experience, and when you get down and out, come to this board and vent......it really helps to give your problems away!!

:D

Robin,

All the above advise is great and I don't know what I can really add except support.

I just turned 32 and I too know exactly that feeling of feeling kicked in the stomach and can't catch your breath. I went to a school that had very young kids that did nothing but partied. I felt sooooo old and out of place. Then my wonderfully supportive husband was always there to help pick me up by my bootstraps and go on.

One day I stoppped myself and focused on organizing and getting a game plan. Something worked. I refocused, reorganized and I got an A on the next exam. What I guess happened was that I let these young girls get to me, I let them effect my self confidence. I reminded myself that this was it and I had to make it work. Ever see that show with that 30 something girl who goes back to college when her Italian family doesn't understand why? Can be kind of redundant but does show how a girl her age with chutzpa can make anything work despite what is thrown in front of her.

I still feel like I am running myself ragged but I think that is a nursing program pre-req! Accept it and look it straight in the face and follow your drive! Hang in there!

HI Robin! I'm also a non-traditional student, old enough to hit them young'uns over the haid with my cane if'in I has to. ;)

Maybe I have been lucky to go to a school where there is quite a mix of older and younger students, and for the most part we all get along. In my school, it's not uncommon to see the younger and older students studying together. I wouldn't go so far as to say that any of these students socialize much outside of the classroom, but we do all get along, and tend to work well together.

You mention that you are only in the second week of classes. That's way too soon to really make judgements about what kind of relationships you'll be having with the other students. Give them a chance, and realize that there are a few of them who probably feel the same way as you. :p

The content of your classes is certainly going to be overwhelming at first, but make a commitment and set a game plan in motion. get organized, and focus only on the instructors while in class. Tape record classes if you find that you are too overwhelmed to absorb all the new information that is coming your way. (make sure your instructor doesn't mind) and buy yourself a planner to keep track of all the assignments!

Also, if your school offers any seminars on getting organized, you may want to consider taking them. Once you get a good idea how to organize your notes, you'll find that things fall into place easily.

Best of luck Robin, I know you can do it!

Caroline

Robin 61970, you took the words right out of my mouth! I stayed up late last night (10 is late for me)because I had to finish my lab (still have to go back tonight though). Once I got home, I studied for a quiz I had first thing this morning! Somehow I did it, but I was starting to see double during the lecture this morning.

A few things that have helped me tremendously is keeping all of my texts together & with me at all times. I've just starting making flashcards for my anatomy & whip them out whenever I have some extra time. The repetition really helps me out on Anatomy. Also, get yourself a good planner & small spiral notebook to jot down things you need to do. I don't know how many times I've remembered that I needed to do something, & then forgot what it was by the time I got there. :rolleyes: Most of these tips will look familiar to most, I "borrowed" these tips from other BB users.:D :D

Hi Robin,

I understand completely what you are talking about. I returned to school last spring after being out of school for quite sometime (I'll be 37 shortly). I was even accepted in the nursing program in my home state (NY) when I got out of high school, but truth told, I wasn't ready. Now I am. Finishing that spring semester (I only took two courses) was a huge accomplishment for me. This semester I'm taking a full load (17 credits). The first week they try to scare you by letting you know that if you can't just slide through...but who wants to? You'll notice as you go along, the students that are serious will stay the course and after you show your instructor that you are, things will move more smoothly.

As Caroline stated, you will find that you will mix with some of the "young ones" but of course they will also be more serious about their school work. School actually makes me feel younger.

Kris

Hi Robin,

I understand completely what you are talking about. I returned to school last spring after being out of school for quite sometime (I'll be 37 shortly). I was even accepted in the nursing program in my home state (NY) when I got out of high school, but truth told, I wasn't ready. Now I am. Finishing that spring semester (I only took two courses) was a huge accomplishment for me. This semester I'm taking a full load (17 credits). The first week they try to scare you by letting you know that if you can't just slide through...but who wants to? You'll notice as you go along, the students that are serious will stay the course and after you show your instructor that you are, things will move more smoothly.

As Caroline stated, you will find that you will mix with some of the "young ones" but of course they will also be more serious about their school work. School actually makes me feel younger.

Kris

Hi guys...I am having a much more positive outlook day today,lol. There are many things said that I agree with....I do notice the differences in younger students and myself...one major thing is this....I take my son to school and my daughter to daycare....I thne go to school and study. My first class is at 9:30 and I am there by 8:15 normally. I read or if I am caught up(which happens occassionally) I visit with people from my classes or just anyone who is sitting next to me. When I get out of classes at 12:20 I study before going home....I try to use the time I am lucky enough to have to study. I just get discouraged sometimes. I have met some younger people that I like, but I just stay away from those who talk about partying and drinking....don't have time for that.....thanks for all the input....appreciate it....

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