Old dude... me... going to college!?!?!

Billy the Ex-Bethelite

Between careful planning, bad luck, and mostly good luck, I now have progressed in my fade out of the bOrg to go back to college with my JW family's support and blessing.

My meeting with the advisor is coming up soon. I'm excited and nervous, with mixed feelings about going back to college in my mid-40s. I'll likely start local and transfer to university in a year or so. I have a field in mind, but am somewhat flexible.

I always did very well in school and, of course, should have done this years ago. But that's past and I need to look ahead. Now that I'm older and have experience in both Watchtower Corporation and my own business, I certainly know myself better than I did at 18. I'm confident that I'm headed in the right direction for success and fulfillment.

So, anybody want to throw out some education, financial aid, or other career advise to this old dude?

Anybody?

B the X

Georgiegirl

I am not that much younger than you are. I LOVE school. I will say that the most important/helpful thing that I did was that I was honest with my advisor about why I didn't have a higher education - and why I am going back now. Educators are APPALLED that anyone would be prevented from a higher education - and they bent over backward to help me. Scholarships and grants suddenly were made available to me that probably would not have been if they hadn't been watching out for me. It has been the most wonderful experience. You will probably find that you will do tons better now because you have life experience that helps put the "book learning" into a meaningful context.

Can't wait to hear how you do!

AuntBee

I did lots more college during my 30's,and i got SO much more out of it than when i first went at the ripe old age of 17! . I got so enthused over math, that i took calculus just for fun! LOL. IT's so cool now because there are students of ALL ages, even retirees and such. The "older" people are more motivated, more enthused, and have a broader perspective to comprehend things. I was a much better student as an adult. Congrats to you, i think you will LOVE the experience and the learning.

Elsewhere

Talk to your advisor and any financial aid department on campus and apply for every single grant and scholarship you can get your hands on. Sure, you may not qualify for most of them, but there is the chance you might get one or two!

Part of college is learning how to fill out financial aid applications . In time you'll become a pro at expressing things in the application using just the right words and phrases that will help you get the grants.

VIII

Congratulations!!!

I agree with what everyone else said.

You will do fantastic. Older students are the ones who take it seriously. They are not the ones who are texting messages to each other in class, nor are they the ones who are making cow eyes at each other in class.

Professors really enjoy having older students because they are there to learn and really like and enjoy being there. They ask questions, they take notes, they do the homework (critical), they show up for every class (critical) and they just act like adults.

Kids who are 18-19 years-old and haven't paid their own bills, purchased a car, tried to get credit etc, just don't understand some of the concepts in simple business classes. They might do better in math since they are just out of HS, however, your life skills will help you tremendously.

snowbird

Congratulations!

Do keep your wacky sense of humor; it should serve you well in English 101.

Sylvia

lepermessiah

Check into any opportunities to test out/get credit for previous experience. Ask the counselor about any and all opportunities to test out, take CLEP and DANTES college equivilance exams, etc........One good thing about coming from a JW background is you probably be well-equipped to pass those with minimal study. But, I have friends who prefer the classroom-only method to earn credit - go with what you feel comfortable with!

I tested out of a ton of classes, and it really sped up the process for me. I cut over 2 years off of my schooling that way.

I too started late due to the demonization of college and the general attitude toward applying yourself toward education. That is still one of my biggest resentments toward Big Brother - making people feel bad for being intelligent, educated and pursuing more out of their career than cleaning and window washing. (Nothing against that if you like doing it, but its comical how many super-intellingent people I know who are stuck doing jobs they hate....those professions quickly come to mind)

Getting my degree was very satisfying, as I am sure you will find - best wishes!

OUTLAW

You`ve already got a WBT$ Education..

Window Washer

Another year of education,at any Kingdom Hall..

And

You could be an Astronaut!

Astronaut 2

...................

zarco

Billy,

Congratulations on your decision to go back to college. As many have noted, find an advisor in your major for academic advice and talk to the financial aid department. As you probably already know, a Pell grant does not have to be paid back.

Depending on your major, you might be able to find a paid internship or work in a lab at the university for a few extra dollars. Another option is to serve as a teaching assistant as an undergraduate or graduate. Sometimes a GTA or TA position will provide not only an hourly stipend but also free tuition.

Maybe the best advice that I have is to stick with it. It seems that after a few years the initial enthusiasm – even for a subject you love – begins to falter. Stick through that time and keep you eye on the prize (a bad joke) and finish your degree.

All the best in your endeavors,

zarco

llbh

I graduated at 40 , in law, for me the education in and of itself was the reward. I say go for it and enjoy, it will not be wasted.

I proved to myself that i could do it and did. If you wish to have a career in your chosen subject, plan ahead as well.

Hoping all goes well.

Warmest regards

David

Old dude... me... going to college!?!?!

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