Going Back to School

[Cameron16]

I just recently decided to go back to get another degree (Physician's Assistant). I am not exactly young, but not exactly ancient either. I know I'm going to be in some of the classes with some relatively young people. I feel odd knowing I'm going to probably be the oldest student in most of the classes (after I've completed the updated fundamentals of course).

How do you deal and do the "kids" give you a hard time?

[Lindagerr]

I have not gone to a B & M class in a long time, but I have friends that have been and I have talked to my sons friends about the "Old People" in class. The kids seem to like having the old people there and they treat them well. One friend of mine who is only in her early 30's says she has more trouble with the teachers; she had one that would say things like I want to hear from the 'Young students" and was always harder on the older ones. I think most of the time there is such a mix of ages these days it is not a problem.

[dc67]

Since I went back to school 2 years ago it has all been online and thru testing so I haven't had a problem. Many of my classes have required posting and responding on a class discussion board and you can definitly tell a difference in age just from how people answer and respond to things. I am 41 by the way. My wife is 38 and going to school to be a RN. She is usually the oldest in her class and older than some of her teachers. She hasn't had any problems either really. I guess the moral to my long story is, relax, you will be fine.

Good luck,

Doug

[Cameron16]

Thanks Guys,

I wish I could take most of mine online. Unfortunately, this is a "hands on" course. I have to do a lot of clinical rotations and evaluations. There are some courses I can take online and I probably will. I just get really stressed thinking about "school". It's been so long since I was out, it just seems like a foreign concept.

[cookderosa]

I just recently decided to go back to get another degree (Physician's Assistant). I am not exactly young, but not exactly ancient either. I know I'm going to be in some of the classes with some relatively young people. I feel odd knowing I'm going to probably be the oldest student in most of the classes (after I've completed the updated fundamentals of course).

How do you deal and do the "kids" give you a hard time?

>>


I doubt any "kids" will give you a hard time. First off, the old notion of "traditional" learner is not as strong as it used to be. I teach at a community college (the mecca of non-traditional learners), and 50% of my students are always non-traditional without question. Many younger students are sometimes intimidated by the adults, so try and be friendly. (many 18ish young adults simply do not have the social experience to know how to interact with people of differing ages; I don't mean that in a derogatory sense, just making an observation- so make it easy for them by breaking the ice)

Additionally, instructors generally appreciate an adult's maturity and commitment they bring to the course....and don't forget about work experience and broad world view. You'll do fine. Welcome!!
Are you planning any CLEP exams?

[Serena]

I say do not worry about it, look at it from a different perspective you could probably teach them a thing or two. They may even seek you out for advise, I am sure the wise ones in the class will.

I intendent to do the same next year and I am not worried at all, experience is the master teacher, you have been there and done that already let your experience work for you.

[Cameron16]

Jennifer,

Yes, I plan on taking the college mathematics. I don't want to set through any more courses than I have too. I'd rather get down to the clinicals as soon as possible. I also still have to work so doing some of the CLEPs is a wonderful option.

[TimeOut]

I went to uni for my BSc as a mature student and I didn't have any problems. In fact I struck up some lasting friendships there.

I didn't live in halls like they did and that made things a lot easier as I didn't have to deal with the partying.

[dingbat]

I have avooid the issue all together by attending my classes online. However for anyone interested in the social as well as the educational aspects of education I think you should go for it. This world is already to segragated by age anyway and any mixing that can happen will only upset that comfortable balance and force people to look at one another as individuals rather than as a number or age.

[Serena]

Dingbat, can you give me some information about the classes that you did online? You can email the website address to me as well, I would really appreciate it very much I strongly believe it would work for me. Thanks much.

serenalove1@yahoo.com