Hi Annette,

When I first journeyed back to school I felt as you did. But it didn't take long to figure out we were accepted as much as the younger ones were.

I am returning again this fall,at a young age of 57, and working on a engineering degree.

I don't ever want to quit learning,,,as the commercial once said,"A mind is a terrible thing to waste." I agree...

I think we encourage younger people when we are there. Like I have said, "Times and how we do things change, so must we if we are to adapt and be a vital part of society."

I don't want to retire feeling I have not left anything undone.

Mike

Well said, Annette. Good for you! I agree with what you said. Professors are excited to have a more experienced voice in the classroom. Many of us are probably older than some of our professors! There's a kick in the pants. But they don't mind.

There are quite a few of us older students in the classrooms today. I think the professors appreciate someone who brings a bit of life's practical experience to the scene and (do I dare say?) commone sense. Some of the students have been very receptive to my presence in the classroom and others, not so much, but since I am not there for the social interactions as much as I was my first time around at the traditional age, I don't mind at all.

I think I have also served as a role model in some cases, which definately was not the case my first time around. People actually seek me out to study with for exams and ask advice about paper-writing, so I get a feeling of rewardedness from those interactions as well.

I'm not sure if grad school will be filled with as many younger students, and there will hopefully be a couple more people closer to my age. Time'll tell as that happens in July '09!

Way to go, Annette -- for going back to school in mid-life and for telling everyone come on in, the water's fine. I've been in and around universities for 30 years (degrees from three, professor at two). Universities have changed a lot from what most people might remember from decades ago. It's much less of a one-size-fits all than it used to be. There are many different approaches to teaching and learning that are recognized and valued. The web has dramatically changed the way material is delivered and exchanged -- you can surf the library, review the lecture slides in powerpoint, and submit your term paper all from your laptop while sitting at Starbucks and feeling hip no matter what age you are.

For graduate students, in particular, professors are eager to interact with older (or the PC word is "nontraditional") students becuase they tend to be more motivated, focussed, have life experience, and they can help to mentor the greener grad students who lack the life experience.

Good luck to you. What's your field?

Thank you all for the positive feedback. My major is Political Science (with a global studies sequence) and my minor is East Asian Studies (China). I have had a fascination with Asian culture for many years and this was the perfect way to pursue the knowledge that intrigues me. I have been taking Chinese as a foreign language for the past 6 semesters and now have to continue by way of Independent study.

Thanks again.

I think that is one of the bonuses about returning to school at "this stage of the game" we realize what we have a passion for and are able to pursue it. Before I was more into "what is going to make me a decent buck" when I went to college...sure didn't make me happy though!

That's very true. I switched my major in 94 so I could work in IT, hoping that somehow I would make some money and also have a positive impact. I was wrong, but at least I now know that for a fact.

At 39, I scored a 660 on the GMAT and after some more prep work I should be able to hit 700+. I can't wait to go to grad school. Time to make some things happen in clean tech, water and other things that really matter.