For all you "older" college students....help me

D

dpiglet

Cathlete
And I do not mean to insult anyone with that word....because that is what I will be if I get up the guts to do this.....this being: going back to school. Here's the scoop: I went to culinary school MANY years ago, ended up with an Associate of Science degree in Hotel/Rest. Food and Bev Management and I have done the managing thing for a long time, but there has always been something missing from my life, something I could never put my finger on. My journey with Cathe to a healthier me has led me to become really interested in nutrition, pair that with my love of food in general and I think I have found what I would like to do...perhaps a RD???

Here's the issue: I have not been to school in about 20 years(GULP). If any of you have done it, just how hard was it?? I think I can handle most of the classes, except any math or chem(I always HATED math), these terrify me now. Any advice?? I would love to hear from anyone who conquered college "a little late".

Donna
 
RE: For all you

Donna,

I went to college for 1 year, then got married and then got pregnant and didn't end up returning for 13 years. It was very scary and sometimes very hard, but it is the best thing I ever did besides being a mom.

I started out small - only 1 class the first quarter - a freshman English class that I hadn't taken my first year. The next quarter I took 2 classes and by the next year I was going full-time taking 4 classes (full-time was the only way I could qualify for financial aid). The first year seemed much harder to me because I had to eliminate all the "wasted time" in my schedule like watching t.v., shopping and reading for fun in order to find time to study. You get back into the swing of studying pretty quickly- the more you do it the easier it becomes to take notes and focus on reading difficult/sometimes boring material. Kind of like exercise makes you stronger....

Our college also had study groups for the science and math classes that were led by a TA. I took advantage of those whenever I could. Even if I understood the material pretty well, they were an excellent chance for review. Also, I usually sat near the front of the class in the first or second row and near the center. It helped me concentrate and hear everything the professor was saying. Being near the front also helped the professors recognize me if I needed to approach them after class or stopped in their office with a question.

Check with the advising center of college you are planning on attending. They were very helpful in my first two years.

I applaud your desire and initiative!! I know you can do this and you will be very proud of yourself when you are finished.
 
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My husband just recently returned to college this spring. He is 34. He started off with one class and just enrolled for the summer semester. This post hit me tonight as he is in class as we speak taking finals. It's hard with a family and full time job but it is so worth it to his life and future. I wish I could go as well but for right now it has to be him. If you have the opportunity, JUST DO IT.
karen

www.picturetrail.com/karenvictoria
 
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I haven't been back to college, but ended up changing careers and studied for a certification in something I knew little about. I attended classes once per week with other people studying for the exam. I found it so much easier than when studying for my B.S. years ago (25 to be exact !) ;(

I was much more attentive and eager to learn more because it was something that I was doing to improve myself for my career. When you are younger it seems more like 'what you have to do'.

Good luck to you - it seems like your choice will set you up for a great success !
 
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I think you should totally embrace this situation and go for it! I completely agree with Jacque! You will get so much more out of it now that you're older and I don't think it will seem as scary or difficult as you think! I think it will really be exciting! I just started my Master's Degree this spring, and I absolutely LOVE going to classes and doing readings and projects! (I know, I'm such a nerd!) Everything is so much more meaningful! You'd be surprise how much wisdom you have accumlated in your years! Do it, Do it, Do it!
 
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Hey Donna, go for it! I went back at age 40 for a MA. The time managment skills you've already had to develop to balance work and family life will come in handy ... just develop a schedule and stick with it. You'll find many resources at the school to help you adjust and conquer the more difficult classes ... colleges want to see you succeed and many now cater to the older student and their unique needs. Take a lighter credit load the semesters you tackle the harder classes. I especially appreciated weekend classes that were held about every 3 weeks ... that helped a lot. Evening classes helped too. Initially I was concerned about academically competing with the "younger" minds but found that my life experiences actually created an edge for me AND I discovered I wasn't the oldest in my classes ... in fact my age was about average. And the diversity in ages, along with cultural diversity really enhanced my experience. I'm so glad I did it and at times even entertain the idea of going back again for a PhD (although financially I don't think I'd recupe the cost) and I'm quickly approaching my 5th decade. Best wishes for a successful college experience! Deb
 
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Donna...GO for it! I went back to school after a 10 yr break. I was 32 at the time and I can tell you that I was often one of the youngest people in the class! It was a Master's level of study,so it may be different if you pursue a bachelor's degree, but I honestly believe that you will be in good company.

As far as the coursework, I think you will find it easier the 2nd time around especially if your level of interest is high. In my experience, the "older" students always seemed to be more enthusiatic and involved learners.

I can tell you that you will have to take introductory chemistry (if you never have) and biochemistry as prerequistes for an RD degree. Do a search on this board for RD as it has come up in discussions from time to time. I got a nutrition and dietitics degree as my bs, so if you are seriously considering it, I can answer any questions!

Don't be scared! It's a fun challenge (assuming you like studying). The only difficult part is juggling classwork with a full time job and taking care of home & family. oh, and writing papers! Ugh! I hated that!

Good Luck to You!:)
 
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Hi Donna! I went back to school for 3 years in 2000 at 38 years old. My DH passed away in '97 when my Kids were 3, 6 and 8. After floundering for the first few years he was gone I made my mind up to create a new 'normal' for my family and try to move on. I considered nursing, nutrition and massage therapy. I decided massage suited me best and would allow me to set hours that fit into a single parent family.

Before I was even accepted into the course I went to the local adult learning centre and registered for an independant Grade 13 (Ontario still had that in 1999) biology course to see if my brain would still work that way. In hind sight this really helped to get my soft brain back into the swing of learning.
Going to school changed my life on countless levels. There was one lady 10 years older than me, a couple of people in their mid/late 20's and the other 40 students were under 21. For the first few weeks I kept to myself and my books but by the second round of tests I had found a group of 6 that were as determined as myself to do well and have some fun getting through it. We worked hard, studied as a group and developed bonds and deep friendships that will stay with us forever. I loved classes, took notes and listened without the youthful restlessness of 'what are we gonna do tonight/this weekend....' Studying with a group was new to me and made a world of difference. I achieved 80%+ in my first semester so was eligable to peer tutor. Peer tutoring was awesome, it kept everything fresh for me as I reviewed past material with students while building on that information in classes. I ended up graduating with honours. In Ontario, Massage Therapists are part of the Registered Health Professionals Act (along with nurses, chiros, dentists...) and must pass a Provincial practical and comprehensive written exam to receive a license to practise. Tutoring gave me a definite edge as I watched my friends struggle to review material almost 3 years old, it was still fresh for me. Going back to school has made me a better parent, I have a very clear idea of what young adults go through these days and was flattered to be a sort of surrogate mother to Kids struggling through their first years away from their families and looking for guidance and a mature confidant. Things like this would happen and blow me away, I had to work after school on an early winter's night and was guilting out for not being home. Well I get home and there is a massive snowman on our front yard. A few girls from my course went to my house to build a snowman with my Girls and cook supper for me before I got home. Going back to school at 38 resulted in 3 of the happiest year of my life and the skills to provide for my family for as long as they need me. I love what I do, I help people in a very concrete and objective way. My life is full of meaning and purpose and I know that I make a difference in this world. College gave me that and so much more. It was hard, at times dramatic and frustrating but with discipline, determination and the willingness to ask for help when I really needed it, it was manageable and empowering beyond belief. I have been practising 3 years now and it is affirming beyond words to see that I have established a name for myself and have Doctors referring their patients to me and factories that refer to me for work related injuries. You will work hard to get through school but if it is what you love (and you obviously love health, food and nutrition), most of the time it won't feel like work. If you've made it this far through this marathon post, I wish you good luck and sincerely hope you will keep us posted.

Take Care
Laurie:)
 
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Thanks ladies!! I know I could count on my Cathe buddies for a little cheerleading. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, but never could figure out what I would study. But my experience with my oun nutritionist this year was such positive experience(though I still struggle with eating the way I should)I feel that this may be my little "niche" in the world. I am looking into just doing an intro to nutrition for the fall semester(which begins in Aug. here, and see how it goes....one step at a time, right?? Thanks for all the wonderful advice. I think the time management will be the worst, it seems like I never have enough time now, but I know my store manager will work around any schedule, because that is what he does for all our younger partners, so at least that is covered. Keep your fingers crossed for the 42 year old freshman!!

Donna
 
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I started law school when I was a 32 years old single mom. My daughter was 13 at the time. I was definitely one of the few students with a kid even though there were quite a few "older" students. It felt a bit odd at first but it was one of the best decisions of my life. I really enjoyed the challege. Surprisingly or not so surprisingly, the "older" students often ended up with a higher class ranking than the younger ones (me included). So my advice to you is to just go for it. Years from now I promise you won't look back and say "oh, why did I go back to school" but if you don't you will likely say "oh, why didn't I go back to school." Good Luck.
 
RE: For all you

I was a late finisher myself - went back to school in my early 30's to finish my undergraduate degree. "Older" students tend to have much better study habits, and tend to be able to identify subjects where they will need to work harder.

Plus, DPiglet, you have the discipline of being a regular Cathe exerciser to draw on too. Believe me, if you have developed consistency and discipline in that area of life, you can apply it to your educational work as well.

A-Jock
 
RE: For all you

Donna...a thought for you. Does your college happen to offer any of the courses you need via the internet? If so, start with taking a class this summer, if one is available, so you can get started from the comfort of your home, so to speak.

I too am 40+ and back in college this year working on an advanced degree. I have been able to do two of my classes via the internet and will be able to do more as well.

Just something for you to check into. Goodluck!

Oh, and years ago when I was in college, I had two 60+ ladies in my freshman chemistry lecture. You're never too old to learn.;-)
 
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Well, I do understand your fears, but like everyone else has said, it's definitely doable and I think you should go for it.

I went back to school full time last January and just finished my first semester YESTERDAY. Yay me!!

I'll be 49 in the summer and got a masters degree in 1981 from U of Michigan. Haven't been in school since. I entered a GIS program, just so I could get a better job than the crappy stuff I've been doing forever. My daughter is in college now, so I have the time to do something for myself.

It was scary at first, and particularly emotional because I am at the campus where I got my undergrad degree in 1978. I'm used to being YOUNG while seeing these buildings and walking these brick paths. I felt a bit invisible and awkward at first, and the material is highly technical and I was scared. But I just put one foot in front of the other and I got through it and did well. I believe I was respected by the faculty (all younger than me) and the students.

I can't wait to be a fully-trained geek with a decent job. I should finish the program in one more year.

Good luck! It's worth it. You will challenge yourself and feel great.
 
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Ha! A fully trained Geek indeed, mogambo!

That is my goal as well!! :p
 
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I got a 4 year degree when I was 45, and it took me less than 4 years. I did an accelerated program, took correspondence courses, got life experience credits, etc., but I DID it.

One downside - I had to do a LOT of reading and writing, and I think it fried my brain. I literally cannot bring myself to read a book or write beyond a few sentances in an e-mail. Don't let that scare you - it's maybe just me making a stupid excuse!

"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." Mark Twain ;-)
 
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I think you'll find that good professors make what you think you hate really interesting, and university level academics are not hugely different from what you've experienced (tests, papers, and projects). I thought I hated science until I took classes at the university level. You'll find some really great people who are passionate about the subject they teach, and they make the subject come alive.

If you love food, cooking, and nutrition, and you are passionate about physical fitness, sounds like you are headed right where you want to be.

Talk to your advisor in depth about what's required after you graduate too. There is an internship required by the ADA to become eligible to take the exam, and it typically is like 6-8 months. Many of the internships are offered at hospitals, and here in good 'ol CT, they are unpaid, sometimes you need pay them just like you're taking a course. But don't be concerned, just plan to be able to accommodate the internship and cover your finances.

You're in Arizona? You are surrounded by good universities with B.S. Dietetics programs, and you're also close to a lot of great places to work as a dietitian.

Good luck!!
 
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Hi, Donna! I just wanted to chime in to say that I'm 40, and yesterday I finished my second of 3 years of nursing school. I'm off for the summer (though I do have an internship), and I'm sitting here amazed at how quickly those first 2 years went. I don't have anything particularly original to say -- you've gotten such good replies -- but I wanted to add my support and tell you that pursuing something I love has been incredibly rewarding (and yes, I'm the oldest student in my class of 50 -- most of my classmates are traditional undergraduate age, and I really love being with them!). I'm a wife and mom, so it has taken some juggling and adjusting; and I had the same math/science fears you have. But I decided that really, I can do anything I put my mind to. That's turning out to be true. Another thing I told myself is that these 3 years were going to go by, whether I took the leap or not. From this vantage point, I am SO glad I pushed myself and did it!

Best wishes to you as you make your decisions! You can do it!
Allison
 
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Thanks again for all the helpful advice guys.....the best part of this thing is that my assistant manager at work would love to take a couple classes with me. She is very interested in the nutrition part of food service as well. It would be so nice to be able to go to the first few classes with a buddy. Our local community college (in conjunction with ASU) has a really great program for RDs, complete with an opportunity for internship work that can be applied to the RD requiremnents. I'll worry about that part later, right now I have such a flexible job schedule at Starbucks, the pay thing shouldn't be a problem. We just have to check out the available classes that we might both be able to swing.....I think I just may give this a shot....still worried about the math and chem though...Maybe my kids can tutor me??? Hee Hee....A-Jock, you're right, us Catheites are one bunch of focused individuals!

You guys are the best help always!!

Donna
:) :)
 
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Thanks Allison!! I am such a chicken....I hate change in my life, but I have to keep remembering, change is usually a good thing. I am in so hurry with this, if I can only handle one class at a time, then that is what I am going to do! I just hope my brain is not too rusty.:(

Donna
 
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