Why do I feel like this?

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So I am currently in my first semester of nursing prerequisites at a community college. I'm almost 30 so I'm older than the rest of the students, have 3 children and a household to run. I'm currently in A and P 1 and excelling. Like, I have a 99 in the class. I should be thrilled and excited that I'm doing so well in a course that pertains to my degree but instead, I feel incredibly guilty. Most of my classmates aren't doing well even though the majority of them are taking the class for the second time and although I haven't seen it with my own eyes, my self doubt says they're rolling their eyes and poking fun at the "teachers pet". I work incredibly hard and go to open lab and study sessions to EARN my grades. Shouldn't I be able to enjoy my success?

If anything, they're jealous of your grades and your motivation to work hard. You should feel good about your grades! Three kids, running a household, and still managing to get all As? That is amazing.

I saw that someone else mentioned that the younger students did not interact or sit with them. I personally do not interact with older students unless they interact with me first. I'm not intimidated by them but I'm not sure if they'd want to be bothered with someone as young as me. However, older students seem to be 10x more knowledgeable and friendly than students my age. I really like them.

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Specializes in Neuro.

How do they even know your grade? If you're sharing with them, stop, if they ask, just say I passed this test/exam/practical or what have you. Don't divulge details, none of their business. And if you're one of those students who answers every question the professor asks or asks a bunch of extra questions...while there is nothing wrong with that, it can get annoying to other students during class time. If that's you & this is really bothering you, hang back a bit & let those youngsters have to answer the professor or ask questions. You can always ask detailed questions not relevant to the whole class after class to the professor directly.

You're at a different place in your life, have more responsibility, so this precious time away from your family & it's financial investment is a sacrifice for you. These youngsters have not hit your maturity level & don't get how those of us who are older have to be more focused than they do. Let them make their irresponsible mistakes & focus on you.

I was in the same shoes as you & no one knew my grade nor how old I was or about my family. Clearly I was a little older but that's all they could gather by glancing at me. I showed up, studied & passed with absolutely no thought to what they thought about me. It worked for me, maybe it can for you. You earned your grade you should give 2 poops what they think.

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I am 22 instead of being immature as so they are doing I would intend to intercat with you. My dad has always said to stick with people who yu can grow and learn from and diatance yourself from those who have nothing good or new to learn from or gain. Your grade is great do you know how many people fail through that course. I say that because prior to me taking that course all anyone said was oh thats a hard class this and that. When I sat through it , it was tough but I think based of your intentions and knowing your purpose makes the experience and moment different. It sounds like those students are jello of you based of knowing people my age. When someone surpasses your expectation those succeeding become bait for discrimination. Disregard them you know where you stand and where you are going you are no child anymore and see life a different way you have your family and kids and if your are where you are is because you know where your trying to get or where you are going. Do not guilt over that I was a tecahers pet at a point and bullied for it that was in 3rd grade ,but still look where I am now. It has nothing to do with your age or life it has to do with your achievements, dedication and progress. If you do not do it for you no one else will no one else cares this is all competition based keep pushing forward as you are doing now you are doing something great for you and the better being for the future of your children. Do not let negativity impact your success or goals do not ever do that because that is the intentions of many of those who try to intimidate you. You have great advantages with the progress you are making stick with your self and only those who have good intnetions for you. Good Luck !

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I'm facing a similar situation. I'm 32, have 2 small, energetic children, my husband is military and gone often. Most of the year I am a single mom. I have a previous BS in economics but hadn't taken a class in over 10 years. Last semester I started with Microbiology (and two online classes - Eng comp & Intro to Psych) and I rocked a 100 in both lab & lecture. I took the lecture portion online because of my household schedule. This semester I am taking two online courses (child psych & ethics) and A&P I. I have a 99 in the lecture portion of A&P and over a 100 in the lab portion (we just finished our midterm practical last week). When the young pups ask how I did on a test I just tell them I'm happy with what I made. If they ask for more specifics I tell them I made an A. I do see that sometimes they get frustrated that the knowledge and recall comes easy to me. But it's because I put in the work! After my kids go to sleep (which is the only time I can study) I bust my tail to learn the material. Please don't feel guilty that others are struggling and that you are excelling. You're being rewarded for your hard work. Keep up the good work!

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And if you're one of those students who answers every question the professor asks or asks a bunch of extra questions...while there is nothing wrong with that, it can get annoying to other students during class time. If that's you & this is really bothering you, hang back a bit & let those youngsters have to answer the professor or ask questions. You can always ask detailed questions not relevant to the whole class after class to the professor directly.

I agree with this, it takes a bit of class to be the smartest student. Don't answer every question, even if you know it, give your other classmates time, until you see your teacher struggling for the answer and makes eye contact with you, haha.

I just wanted to say, I am a fellow 30 year old student acing my A&P 1 class. I think the class is easy so far, teacher makes it easy. Anyways, I am proud of my A+'s and kind of get a little giddy when he hands the test back. Other classmates ask to see it to find the correct answers to what they got wrong. I find honest joy in my intelligence- and finally DOING SOMETHING with it.

BUT, regardless, we are 30... aren't we past the point of truly caring what anyone thinks of us if it is negative!? lol. Let someone compliment me and I will take it all day- "omgosh, thank you"... but it someone throws negativity at me- they become IRRELEVANT to me.

So, I even have the awesome rolly backpack that people make fun of because the rolling can be a little loud I guess- I'm just like "I know, I love it so much!" haha

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