Posted: Aug 8, 08 10:46am
Last fall semester I decided to make the jump to taking classes on campus as opposed to online learning. At the time, I was 39, and nervous as to how everyone would react to having an old broad in their class. =) It has seriously been one of the best experiences in my life.
My advice is this...do it! And when you do take advantage of all campus has to offer. Get to know your instructors. Get to know fellow students (the two women I hang out with on campus are 20 and 24 years of age, we have lunch at least once a week and have an absolute blast). Learn where everything is on campus and use services that are offered. You never know when you might need them. And most importantly, be yourself and don't be afraid to speak up in class! I found that a lot of kids do not want to discuss stuff with the professors, but mostly because they didn't do their homework! I'm a self-professed geek. My professors and I had some great conversations and often times it was just the two of us talking. I'm sure the kids were like..."Oh my god I wish she would just shut up!" But, I figure, I'm paying good money for this class. I screwed up the first time around. I want to get my money's worth this time. And believe me, I am!
I think as older students we tend to feel awkward walking halls with 18-22 year old because we'll look out of place. Heck, I was older than some of my instructors! But, I found that once I got over it, they could care less. And besides, I learned quickly that I wasn't the oldest Old Student on campus. There's always someone older than you!
