I am officially a college student again! Yipee!
By maezee
@maezee (41988)
United States
August 8, 2012 8:23am CST
Well, not OFFICIALLY yet - but I have enrolled & signed up for classes - although they don't begin until August 27th. I did my first year of undergraduate (generals) at the U of M in the 08-09 school year and then had to take a "hiatus" until I could afford to pay off my overdue (NON-loan) school balance. And when I was mentally ready for the change and the new obligations. I finally paid of the U of M and got my loans and classes in order, and now I am ready to go back! It is with a community college this time, which is like half the price of the previous school - and like I said, I got loans and I am getting on payment plans for the rest. Totally do-able! However, now I am working a salaried, full time position, so it will be tricky managing my time well. The good part is that the 4 classes (16 credits) are all online, meaning I can go on before I leave for work, after I get off work, on the weekends, etc, and I save a lot of gas money that way! I am hoping this will help my transition back into school. This community college, by the way, is not a purely online one. I just happened to (luckily!) find all online classes. I think I will have to take some in person but not this semester, yet!
I am just nervous, period. I know I don't have to actually SHOW up, I just have to study and get the work done and understand the material, but I am nervous none the less. I haven't written an essay in about 3 years! What if I can't do it anymore?
I am proud of myself for initiating a change with my life - as lately it has felt like I have become more and more 'stuck' - in my career, in my dad's basement, etc. So, cheers, to changes! I am also excited to have more going for me than just my dead end job. Woo hoo to that!
The reason I am starting this discussion is to hear your thoughts. Have you ever returned to college after a long time? What was the hardest adjustment? What advice to you have, student-to-student that might help me along? Any time management tricks that might help me? (I'm pretty good at this, but not perfect). Any advice or relative experiences are extremely appreciated. By the way, wish me good luck!
3 people like this
10 responses
@Victoria222 (675)
• Russian Federation
8 Aug 12
Congratulations. i am glad that you can study again. it is a great opportunity to work after it and have a nice job. :)
2 people like this
@Raine38 (12391)
• United States
8 Aug 12
First of all, you're right, you should be proud of yourself. This is one big step, a life-altering change that will open lots of doors and opportunities for you. Not to mention the experiences and all. I remember my own college days, wow!
I think the hardest part is the first step. And now that you've taken that first step, the rest will easily follow.
Good luck, and have fun in school!
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17385)
• Canada
8 Aug 12
Yey!
I'm not really sure, but I think we've been myLot friends in '09 when your discussions were about being in university, and then leaving school, and all the troubles you were having at that time.
I'm glad that we're still myLot friends now, and reading a post you have about going back to school.
Congratulations!
I did go back to school sometime back. It was like 9 or 10 years after I graduated from university. Although I enjoyed a few subjects because it came really easy, finding time to study was the hardest thing for me.
I did go back to school sometime back. It was like 9 or 10 years after I graduated from university. Although I enjoyed a few subjects because it came really easy, finding time to study was the hardest thing for me.
@toniganzon (72533)
• Philippines
8 Aug 12
Congratulation!
It makes me feel good to read something like this. Such positivity and good news. I wish you all the luck and I'm pretty sure you are going to enjoy studying again. @Victoria222 (675)
• Russian Federation
8 Aug 12
congratz from me too. i agree with toniganzon and wish you good luck ^.^
@zhette4220 (181)
• Philippines
9 Aug 12
Cheers for such a great change!! I really envy you for having initiated such plan of yours. I have been planning to take my masters degree but every time I plan to, I felt like I'm not yet ready.. The enrollment has gone.. Maybe I'l try to enroll the next semester..
Best Luck for you my fellow mylotter...I know you can still do great in your studies knowing that you already have experience in the real world.
@rogue13xmen13 (14402)
• United States
9 Aug 12
Cool. I just received my BA in English Literature and Language, and I am currently working on my MA in English Rhetoric and Composition, Literature and possible TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language).
I love college. You get to choose your classes, set your own schedule (pretty much), and you have that great sense of accomplishment once you get that degree. It isn't all fun and games as you know. You do have to work hard. It took me a while to get through college because I kind of messed around my first two years, and I lost my brother my third year. I had to repeat a few classes and work at the same time, but I did it, and I made it through.
I wish you luck and I hope that you get through all of your classes, and that you get all of the classes that you need.
@riyauro (6421)
• India
8 Aug 12
I have my mum who went back to complete her studies after she gave birth to me and my two elder brothers. I have learnt from my parents that education has no age. you can study anytime. Mine is left one year to complete and I will become a professional electronics engineer. but I don't have finances now to finish it but I will try to finish it fast. I think the feeling is very refreshing when you go back to college. you are full of energy and focused. Very high chance of scoring the highest marks. all the best to you. have a wonderful day 
@lovcie (116)
• Philippines
9 Aug 12
just be yourself. actually, my experience was getting a diploma for the passion i had and my gap with other students is more than a decade or 2 decades. just exerted efforts though in catching up with their energy. :) it was really fun going back to school.
