Starting over and scared to death

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 13, 2005

I'm gonna be 33, i work full time and getting ready to start pre-nursing for my RN Aug 22. I wasn't very good in math in high school but then i didn't really care, now i'm paying for it because I am having to take Algerbra and Chemistry. I am scared to death about starting all over again but i want this more than i've ever wanted anything, I guess it's just going to be learning how to juggle school, work, and 2 kids 1 is 13 and the other is 5. Does anyone have any advice that would help me?

You will do fine. Just stay here with us and we can lead the way. Heck, you will be able to give advice on how to handle school and take care of your children at the same time.

Good Luck!!!!!!!! :balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

Tony35NYC · Aug 14, 2005

I'm gonna be 33, i work full time and getting ready to start pre-nursing for my RN Aug 22. I wasn't very good in math in high school but then i didn't really care, now i'm paying for it because I am having to take Algerbra and Chemistry. I am scared to death about starting all over again but i want this more than i've ever wanted anything, I guess it's just going to be learning how to juggle school, work, and 2 kids 1 is 13 and the other is 5. Does anyone have any advice that would help me?

working and going to school is not going to be easy, especially when you have to take care of the children, too. BUT, it can be done. I'm sure you'll hear from others here who will tell you the same. The key is to create a reasonable schedule and stick with it. It will also help if you have a relative or friend who could keep an eye on the kids for a few hours each week so you can have some quiet time to study.

How many days a week will you be in school? Since you anticipate that college algebra will be a challenge for you be prepared to spend time practicing the problems. Also, chemistry is not an easy subject for most people so be prepared to do a lot of studying for that, too. Will you be working full-time? Apply for every type of scholarship and financial aid you qualify for, not just aid that covers books and tuition but also living expenses so that you can maybe cut back the number of hours that you need to work.

brandyl123 · Aug 14, 2005

I'm gonna be 33, i work full time and getting ready to start pre-nursing for my RN Aug 22. I wasn't very good in math in high school but then i didn't really care, now i'm paying for it because I am having to take Algerbra and Chemistry. I am scared to death about starting all over again but i want this more than i've ever wanted anything, I guess it's just going to be learning how to juggle school, work, and 2 kids 1 is 13 and the other is 5. Does anyone have any advice that would help me?

Well hello and congradulations on the first step going back to school!!! I am also well I will be 33 in Jan, mother of two children 10 and 6 (two boys), and I also work full time M-f 8:30-5. I have been going to school for a year and half now, and it was hard for me, because I was so worried about learning all the stuff I never cared to learn about in HS. I was horrible at math, never taken Chemistry and I have passed all those classes with good grades, I believe when you are motivated you will do your best. Just wanted to let you know you will be able to do this, and feel so much better when you start. Are you taking Algebra first and then Chemistry???

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 14, 2005

Welcome to the family! It is normal to feel that way believe me. I like you am terrified of math and even worse.......Chemistry!

I took them both last semester and I survived. It wasn't very easy but my enthusiasm to become an RN is much greater that I wasn't going to let that stop me. Don't worry too much, take it one day at a time and before you know it......they are over and history. Best wishes to you and lurk around the pre-nursing area because there are many in our boat that can help. :)

mdbarker · Aug 14, 2005

Well hello and congradulations on the first step going back to school!!! I am also well I will be 33 in Jan, mother of two children 10 and 6 (two boys), and I also work full time M-f 8:30-5. I have been going to school for a year and half now, and it was hard for me, because I was so worried about learning all the stuff I never cared to learn about in HS. I was horrible at math, never taken Chemistry and I have passed all those classes with good grades, I believe when you are motivated you will do your best. Just wanted to let you know you will be able to do this, and feel so much better when you start. Are you taking Algebra first and then Chemistry???

Thank you for the replies, i'm gonna take Algebra first I think that would be best,also i'm taking english 111 online that way i won't have to be at school but twice a week and it's only a 15 minute drive for me, my mom is gonna help all she can with the kids, my husband works 2nd shift that is what will be so tuff. I have plans on trying to find a job sitting with the elderly during the day that way i will have time to study, but that won't be until this time next year.

mattsmom64 · Aug 14, 2005

I'm 41 and I returned to school last year for Nursing. Like you, I had to take Math, Chemistry, A&P, and Micro. I was nervous because Math was never my strongpoint and it had been almost 20 years since my last Math class! I was also intimidated because I had been "out if the loop" for so long and most of the students were young enough to be my children. My son was also starting 1st grade and I knew that he would require my undivided attention as well..........Well, guess what? It can be done. I finished all of my prereqs with a 4.0 GPA. With a little drive, perseverence, and really good time management skills anything is possible. Here's a couple of things that helped me:

1. Don't take more than two classes at a time that require labs. The labs are a class in themselves. So if you take A&P with lab and Micro with lab, it really is like taking 4 classes instead of two. Preparation for lab practicals can be very time-consuming.

2. Consider summer session classes. I took Chemistry over the summer. I lived and breathed it for 8 weeks but it was the only class I had to concentrate on. Btw...Chemistry is ALL math so make sure that you are comfortable with Math before you take it.

3. Involve your children when you study. Your children will be interested in what you are doing. Encourage them to learn. During A&P when we were studying the skeletal system I taught my son the names of all the bones. I had a skull at home and we would review it every night. It helped me because you learn while you teach, we were able to spend some quality time together, and he was probably the only first grader who could name all of the parts of the skull!

4. Make sure to schedue in some time for fun, eat right, and exercise.

5. Form a good study group at school.

6. Be persistent. Set time aside every day to study. Remind yourself daily of the goal that you are trying to achieve.

I think you'll do fine. Just take everything one step at a time..... :)

Ekklesia · Aug 14, 2005

Come on in, the water's fine!

I'm 36 and starting over myself. I'm working, taking 4 classes, and have a family. I can't really spell out how to make it work, I and my wife just communicate well, and take things as they come.

I will say that by the end of the semester we ALL (me, wife, kids, and cat) are ready for a break. It can be a strain at times, but I see it as a positive chellenge.

I'm carrying about a 3.6 GPA right now, which is very surprising to me, but I'll take it!

No worries mate, you'll do fine.

mdbarker · Aug 16, 2005

I'm 41 and I returned to school last year for Nursing. Like you, I had to take Math, Chemistry, A&P, and Micro. I was nervous because Math was never my strongpoint and it had been almost 20 years since my last Math class! I was also intimidated because I had been "out if the loop" for so long and most of the students were young enough to be my children. My son was also starting 1st grade and I knew that he would require my undivided attention as well..........Well, guess what? It can be done. I finished all of my prereqs with a 4.0 GPA. With a little drive, perseverence, and really good time management skills anything is possible. Here's a couple of things that helped me:
1. Don't take more than two classes at a time that require labs. The labs are a class in themselves. So if you take A&P with lab and Micro with lab, it really is like taking 4 classes instead of two. Preparation for lab practicals can be very time-consuming.
2. Consider summer session classes. I took Chemistry over the summer. I lived and breathed it for 8 weeks but it was the only class I had to concentrate on. Btw...Chemistry is ALL math so make sure that you are comfortable with Math before you take it.
3. Involve your children when you study. Your children will be interested in what you are doing. Encourage them to learn. During A&P when we were studying the skeletal system I taught my son the names of all the bones. I had a skull at home and we would review it every night. It helped me because you learn while you teach, we were able to spend some quality time together, and he was probably the only first grader who could name all of the parts of the skull!
4. Make sure to schedue in some time for fun, eat right, and exercise.
5. Form a good study group at school.
6. Be persistent. Set time aside every day to study. Remind yourself daily of the goal that you are trying to achieve.
I think you'll do fine. Just take everything one step at a time..... :)

Thank you all, I took my placement test today i go straight into algebra 1 and english comp111. The algebra class was full so my conselor put me in developmental chemistry which also has developmental algebra it's like 2 classes in 1 it's 2 seperate books i also take the eng 111 online. I really excited, but also scared and anxious. I will get off work at 3:30 get home at 4:10 shower change clothes cook supper and off to school by 6 then home at 8:40. BOY is this gonna be fun, but i know if i pass all this the reward in the end will be very well worth it. Just hope hubby and kids don't choke me :)

brandyl123 · Aug 16, 2005

Thank you all, I took my placement test today i go straight into algebra 1 and english comp111. The algebra class was full so my conselor put me in developmental chemistry which also has developmental algebra it's like 2 classes in 1 it's 2 seperate books i also take the eng 111 online. I really excited, but also scared and anxious. I will get off work at 3:30 get home at 4:10 shower change clothes cook supper and off to school by 6 then home at 8:40. BOY is this gonna be fun, but i know if i pass all this the reward in the end will be very well worth it. Just hope hubby and kids don't choke me :)

Well let us know how your first day of school was????Good luck 2 u