Non-Traditional Student Kith

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 06-20-2008, 11:21 PM

Anyone else headed back to college after being out of school for years? I just started back...it'll take me 5 years, but it'll be worth it! And I'm having a blast with my classes!

**justpeachy92** · 06-20-2008, 11:39 PM

I am in my 3rd semester back after being out of school for 15 years. I have enjoyed most of my classes. Though I am having to take Algebra again, caused I failed by 3 points last semester, need a 77% to pass the class, and I am really not liking geology this semester. Rocks are boring to me.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 06-21-2008, 02:49 AM

Originally Posted by justpeachy92

I am in my 3rd semester back after being out of school for 15 years. I have enjoyed most of my classes. Though I am having to take Algebra again, caused I failed by 3 points last semester, need a 77% to pass the class, and I am really not liking geology this semester. Rocks are boring to me.

I'm sorry you're not enjoying your classes... I finished almost all the classes I don't care for (English, Speech, History) with the Associate's I got 10 years ago... Same college, credits still count. So, I'm taking predominantly math and science classes (which I love).

There are only 4 classes I totally don't want to take...statistics, a computer science class, a business class, and a fine arts class. Considering it's 5 years of school I have to go through, that's pretty livable.

What are you majoring in?

**Nada.Leona** · 06-21-2008, 11:41 AM

Just finished up the graduation ceremony, and the course is finished in four months!

**Megareader** · 06-21-2008, 12:11 PM

I went back to college when I was 46 and got my degree in accounting. Being older, I was a non-traditional student. But I am so glad I did it.

**coffeechick** · 06-21-2008, 03:29 PM

I went back to school for my master's after being out for several- I really learned a lot but the first semester was a SHOCK.

I wish you all the best as you head back. There are so many "non traditional" students now that it's hard to tell who is "traditional"!

**Mom23boys** · 06-21-2008, 07:02 PM

I started back 2 years ago after being out for um, I don't know how long - too long I know that. It took time to adjust. I also hate college algebra. That has been my weakest class thus far. I barely passed it and am so glad I do not have to take that one again. I am majoring in elementary education with a minor in special education.

**MomK** · 06-22-2008, 09:55 AM

I'm still taking classes online. If you can take online courses with your program, I'd highly recommend it!

No need for a babysitter or $$ for gas. Plus, the courses I'm taking have been very interesting! (Special Education)

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 06-22-2008, 09:29 PM

Sounds like there are quite a few of us who are hoping to be teachers!

That's great!

I'm hoping to be a science (chemistry) teacher at the high school level... Though, I admit...way, way, way on down the road I sure do think it would be neat to teach at a college...that would mean a masters in Chem (at minimum), though... We'll see how it all goes...

I've done a few distance ed classes through the college...worked out real well...

**acox68** · 07-06-2008, 11:21 AM

I went back to school after being out for 20 years. The school I attend is a non-traditional school with a lot of working older students. I LOVE the classes there and learn so much.

My major is human resources management with a minor in marketing (I already work in the human resources field). After I get my bachelors, I am going back for a certificate in multi-media design.

I guess my dream job is to create training videos and other training materials for businesses. I do not want to be a "trainer" per se, but would like to develop the curriculum and training materials for training programs.

It will be 3-4 more years before I get my bachelors because I am only taking 2 classes per semester. I get my associates in December (God willing) and I have also applied for a $2500 scholarship for this year so I hope and pray I get it!!!

Andrea

**Newsnerd68** · 07-08-2008, 09:25 PM

I'm headed back this fall after about 13 years. Taking Health Information Technology courses and almost everything is online. This is a completely different field from what I've been in the last 12 years (newspaper copy editor) and I'm kind of nervous. Also, I will be leaving my current job in 5 weeks (not that I'm counting

) and will work part-time for the next 2 years. It's very scary and giving me little panic attacks.
Anybody else go through this?

**acox68** · 07-08-2008, 10:13 PM

I remember feeling very panicky through the first couple of semesters because I didn't know what to expect. Once I learned the ropes though, it was a LOT more calmer and fun. Just give yourself some time for adjusting to new routines and you'll be fine!

Andrea

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 07-09-2008, 12:05 AM

I started back and finished my first chem class... I STILL feel panicky about leaving a job that paid okay, starting back to school after so long, taking a subject I've never done before, taking out student loans to pay for it (OUCH), and putting in many years of my life into this pursuit!! Eek!!

Ok, can't think about it...at least not the debt.

I applied for several scholarships so we'll see how it goes.

**Newsnerd68** · 07-09-2008, 09:30 AM

Yeah, I'm paying my own tuition this year, because so far, I've made too much to get a Pell grant. I think next year will be different. ANd the school i'm attending doesn't participate in the Stafford or federal loan program, so I'm kind of on my own. Trying to avoid a loan to pay for it- luckily NC has extremely cheap tuition for residents.
I think the scariest thing is going to be finding a part-time job. Times are tough out there.