Never Too Late For College

Dealing With Holiday Stress as an Adult Student

marybabysteps — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:30:29 -0500

College can be stressful for adult students throughout the semester, but particularly so during the busy holiday season. There are so many things going on right now. You're probably trying to stay healthy, and juggle all your household responsibilities, on top of getting ready for finals. Don't freak out. There are steps you can take to manage all the chaos in your life right now.

Keep Some Perspective

Easy to say, I know, but I've been there. There are only 24 hours in a day, and you're only one person. Keep your past successes in mind and focus on the fact that you'll get through this as well. Make a plan and stick to it. Make a list of what absolutely must be done and prioritize that list for each day. Don't forget to reward yourself as you check things off. Even if it's just something small, like a bubble bath or an ice cream cone, that's okay. Taking time for yourself will help to avoid burnout.

Don't Go It Alone

Remember to call on your support system during this time. It's the people closest to you who want to help you out when you're stressed. Be sure to reach out to them and allow them to do so. Call a friend to vent about your big history paper. It'll help to blow off steam, and maybe she'll have some good suggestions for how to find a little more time. Delegate responsibilities. Maybe your spouse could cook dinner for you while you work on your term paper or study for that exam. It doesn't hurt to ask; however, trying to go it alone could have negative consequences like strained relationships and health repercussions.

Change Your Thinking

Stress can often be at its highest due to the way we think about the stressful things in our lives. If we let it build up and convince ourselves that it's too much to handle, we're bound to become overwhelmed. Think about ways that you can reframe your thinking or approach a situation proactively. For example, say you're worrying about the three finals you have coming up in two weeks. In addition to the final exams, you have to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for 25 guests, start your Christmas shopping, and attend the kids' holiday concerts. Yikes, that's a lot! Rather than get upset about how much you have to do, take a moment to be grateful for all that you have in your life. It may seem cliche, but gratitude does wonders to change negative feelings. Once you've reframed your thoughts into something positive, take action to figure out the best way to get things done. Remember the above suggestions and write down all the ways that people can help you, then make an action plan for when you'll do each task. Taking matters into your own hands can be very empowering.

Adult students can be very hard on themselves. We have high expectations for doing well and being successful. That's great, but don't forget to give yourself some slack. The life of a non-traditional student can be very demanding, so be sure to take care of yourself and just do what you can. I hope these tips have helped. Let me know what works for you during stressful times and if you have anything to add to my list. Thanks!

Should You Go Back To School?

marybabysteps — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:09:26 -0500

Photo by Jerine

Should you go back to school? I'm not even going to try to pretend that I know the answer that's right for you. There are so many variables to consider. Each individual's situation is unique. Particularly, in today's economy, more and more people are considering pursuing higher education later in life. My general philosophy is that one can never have too much education, but that doesn't mean that I think everyone should go out and enroll in college. There certainly are things to take into consideration.

I read this interesting article the other day on whether there are too many students going to college. There were many thought-provoking considerations brought up. The article seemed to be in reference to students right out of high school and pointed out that many young adults may not be ready for college and that the investment may not be a worthwhile one. I found myself disagreeing with some of the experts quoted in the article, however. Fundamentally, I believe that pursuing a college education is beneficial for the majority of students, young and old, and here's why.

Personal Growth

I've said it before here at Never Too Late For College, and I'll probably say it a million more times. But I think it bears repeating: students gain so much more than an academic education. Even adult students, who've already gained a wealth of life experiences, change and develop personally during their time in college. I've seen so many students enter college with fear and uncertainty, then leave with confidence and purpose.

Increased Earning Potential

Despite the economic recession, it is still likely that increased education will lead to higher income. These figures are about ten years old, but studies have shown that lifetime income does increase relative to advanced degrees. This is something to take into consideration. Research your field of interest. Talk to admissions counselors or your local career center to learn about the income potential of certain jobs. If it seems that a particular career won't get you further ahead economically, you may wish to reconsider.

Personal Satisfaction

On the other hand, we all know that money isn't everything. You'll also want to look into the potential for obtaining jobs in your area. If your career field of interest is already saturated in your region, you may need to relocate. This is a very important point to keep in mind. In my area of western Pennsylvania, there was a growth a number of years ago in the field of computer forensics. No, not CSI kind of biological forensics, but the kind involved in using computers to locate information and evidence involved in crimes.Because of that boom, the job market is rather full at this time. Lots of my students who wanted to remain in the area didn't know that. After doing your research, determine if your level of personal satisfaction and the quality of your life will be improved by pursuing a certain degree. If, despite location and income, you think you'll be happy in that career and will be able to earn a living, then you'll want to continue on to the next step of enrolling in your program of choice.

For more information on the value of higher education, you may want to check out this article by Elson S. Floyd, the president of Washington State University. In it, he gives his views on what's needed to improve institutions of higher education as well as why he thinks the pursuit of a college degree is worth it. What are your thoughts?

Networking for Adult College Students

marybabysteps — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:57:33 -0500

Finding time for anything besides studying when you're an adult college student can be tough. There doesn't seem to be time to breathe, let alone have any fun. So don't hate me when I tell you that you should probably try to get out there and network while you're in college. Yes, network, as in meet people and get to know them so that you've got some contacts when you're ready to job search. While it may be tempting to stick to yourself and only worry about getting through your classes with good grades, there's so much you'll be missing out on if you don't take the time to network with others while you're in college.

Personal Connections

By getting to know the people in your classes, you'll be making personal connections that can benefit you now as well as in the future. One of the biggest supports you can have is friends, especially if you have kids. It was so great to have other parent friends when I was in graduate school. I always had someone to vent to about the stress and rewards of being a mom, and there were a couples times that I had a sitter when I was in a pinch. Don't neglect getting to know your professors also. Not only will they be invaluable when you need a reference or recommendation down the line, professors can be wonderful mentors to inspire and motivate you along your way to getting that degree.

Volunteering or Internship

The job market today may seem pretty scary. To give yourself an edge, you'll want to get some experience in your field of interest. You can do this by volunteering, job shadowing, or interning. Some degrees require a semester long internship. Even if yours doesn't, I recommend trying to find some time to get personally involved in your future career field. Wanna work with kids? Contact the local YMCA, daycare, or mental health agency to see how to volunteer. Even an hour or two a week will put you ahead of others without hands-on experience. You may even find that you have an advantage if the agency has a job opening when you graduate. Do you know someone who actually does your dream job? Ask them if you can job shadow. You'll learn a lot this way. You can include this experience on your resume and offer your insight at job interviews. Even if you don't know someone in your prospective field, don't be afraid to reach out and contact local professionals.

Social Networking

Don't rule out using social media like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to make contacts. These sites aren't just for kids, you know. You'll find others with similar interests, professionals in your career field, and alumni from your school on these networks. Making contacts now will surely help you when it's time to look for a job. Not to mention that it's just fun to interact with new people this way. You may be interested to read about my own recent networking experience for an example of how social media has helped me professionally.

So take a little time to get to know those around you, get involved, and put yourself out there online. I can tell you from experience that it does pay off. For more information on networking for college students, take a look at this networking timetable for college students. While it's geared toward traditional aged students, you'll get some good information as well.

Have you connected with others in your program or campus? What's worked for you and how did you find the time? I'd love to hear about your experience!

Don't Forget the Fun as an Adult Student

marybabysteps — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:06:01 -0400

Yes, you're an adult, but even gorwn-ups are allowed to have some fun every once in a while. It's so easy to get caught up in the routine of studying, going to work, taking care of your family and household obligations, and to burn out mid-semester. Take stock of your life and your approach to college. Are you having any fun or doing anything for yourself? If not, I recommend you start now!

Attend Campus Events

Check out your school's Office of Student Life. Some schools offer fabulous activities, events, and performances at a fraction of the cost. You may be able to take your tween daughter or son to a great concert of a well-known pop artist right there on your campus. Or perhaps you'll take in a musical at your school's auditorium. There are also many lectures offered in subjects that may be of interest to you, and sometimes professors will offer extra credit for attending.

Get Involved

Studies show that students who get involved in campus activities or clubs are more likely to remain in college and to graduate. The majority of such studies apply to traditional aged students, but getting involved on campus can be good for adult learners as well. Being a commuter student can make one feel very isolated from what's going on at college. Getting involved in campus activities can help you to feel more a part of your campus and often helps to increase confidence. Check out how you can become part of student government, clubs related to your major, or campus sports and activities that interest you. I've seen adult students benefit greatly from being active in non-traditional student groups and academic honor societies as well. You'll gain leadership skills and make great contacts and support systems that can benefit you now and in future pursuits.

Take Some "You" Time

Don't neglect yourself. We all need some alone time. Time is such a precious commodity as an adult college student, I know. But, believe me, you'll feel more refreshed to tackle everything that's on your plate if you recharge by taking some down time. Read a book or go to a movie. Take up a hobby or activity you once enjoyed, but have found yourself neglecting. I find that I'm tremendously recharged after just taking an hour or two to do some scrapbooking - a hobby I all too often put to the side.

So what are you going to do for fun? Put yourself to the test this weekend, and choose just one activity you can engage in, either alone or with family or friends. You'll be so glad you did.

7 Ways For Adult Students to Stay Healthy

marybabysteps — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:39:39 -0400

Image by smellyknee

I was watching an episode of The Doctors this morning on TV, and they were answering a father's question about whether it was safe for his daughter, a college freshman, to take caffeine pills to help her stay awake during the stressful time of midterms and finals. This led to a discussion on why students shouldn't pull all nighters and how it's bad for their health. I got to thinking about the time I spent working with students at the community college and realized that, more often, it was the adults who were most deprived of sleep throughout the entire semester.

Many non-traditional students are working to support their families while taking classes or are taking care of children or a loved-one. Their time is very limited. I saw students go straight to class after working an 8-hour night shift. While I know that we often must do what we have to do in order to reach our goals and to move ahead in life, I would recommend trying not to sacrifice sleep when pursuing your studies. Here are some ways to stay healthy when time is short and your to-do list is long.

Get Regular Sleep

You knew I would say this, right? But it's the most obvious given the topic at hand. As Travis mentioned on The Doctors, no one can retain information if they're suffering from sleep deprivation. It's just a physiological impossibility. Your brain needs sleep to function optimally, so don't fight it.

Build In Study Time

Like I've said before, it's a really good idea to build study time into your day. You can do this by scheduling an open space between classes. This way, you're already on campus. It's a convenient time ,away from the distractions of home, to just sit down and bang out some studying. Maybe you can have your lunch during this time also.

Eat Well

Speaking of lunch, don't forget to eat a balanced diet. Actually, don't forget to eat at all. I used to see students all the time who would tell me that they didn't have time to eat. Bad idea. Depriving your body of nutrients is like not fueling up your car, it just won't go without putting something into it. Bring along some healthy (or at least relatively healthy) snacks from home that are portable and can be eaten on the go. Bringing your own snacks saves you both money and time.

Socialize

Yes, seriously, socialize. I know you barely have time to breathe. I get it. I do. I also get the burn-out that comes from not doing anything for yourself. A good way to combine study with socializing is to start a study group. Maybe there are some other non-traditional aged students in your toughest class. You could get together to study and talk about the things you all are going through while pursuing your degree. If there aren't other non-trads in your class, start a conversation with some of the younger students near you. Once you get to know a small group, it might be nice to invite them over to your house for a study session. Many students haven't had a home-cooked meal since leaving for school and might appreciate just hanging out in a family atmosphere. And it could help a bit with inter-generational relations. Norma writes more about this at her blog, Back 2 School Moms.

Drink Your Water

Yes, it's okay to drink some coffee when you're feeling drowsy, but don't forget to stay hydrated throughout the day with water. We all know it's good for our health, but it's particularly important to stay hydrated in periods of stress and when you're on the go a lot, which is when most of us forget something like this that's so simple.

Know Your Best Time of Day

We all have a certain time of day when we're most energetic. Some of us are early birds, while others are night owls. Use that peak time to your advantage. If you're an early riser, get up before your usual wake-up call. This will allow you to sneak in some extra studying, or even some time for yourself. Remember that little thing called burn-out that I mentioned? You may also want to schedule the bulk of your classes early, when you're most refreshed and alert. Same goes for you night owls. Night classes work great for people like you because they're often offered only once a week. This kind of schedule can sometimes free up time for other commitments. If you don't think your attention span can handle three hours of class, however, you may want to reconsider.

Vent

Yep, sometimes you just have to let it all out. I know college isn't easy. There are so many dynamics involved in adding college to your current lifestyle, it's bound to cause you some aggravation. Your family may not be giving you the support you need. Your hectic lifestyle may be getting to you. Any number of things may send you reeling. Don't keep it inside! Talk to your family about your concerns or talk to an academic adviser. You never know what kinds of solutions you'll come up with by working together and letting it out. You're only human. Don't try to go it alone.

I hope these suggestions help. You can always feel free to ask me any questions you may have about dealing with stress and staying healthy. I'm happy to offer assistance. Remember, if you're not taking care of yourself, you're no good to your studies or to the people around you. Be good to yourself.

A Support Sytem Is Important for Adult College Students

marybabysteps — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:34:32 -0400

Having a support system is crucial when you go back to school. Family and friends play such an important role in your life; it just makes sense that their support, or lack of, can have a tremendous impact on your college success. The following tips may help you as you ease the transition for your loved ones as well as yourself.

Building a Support System

Take a minute to write down everyone you think can help you as you incorporate college into your life. Asking for help is tough for some of us, but the people around you are likely more than willing to lend a hand. You'll need assistance with things like chidcare, household duties, and stress management, as attending class and studying begins to take up more of your time. Don't forget to add support staff from your colege or university, such as academic advisers. These folks can be extremely valuable in providing answers to your questions and providing peaceof mind.

Communication is Key

Open communication with those in your life is the key to making it all work. Talk to you family members before you enroll in college so that they're aware of the reasons you have for wanting to go. Once you're enrolled, be sure to let them know of the changes they can expect, such as the fact that you won't be as avaiable to them as you once were. Reassure them, however, that you will be there when they need you and encourage them to communicate their needs as well. As you go along your college journey, things will come up that will need to be addressed,and changes will need to be made. Just remember to keep the lines of communication open as you go along!

Set Boundries

Setting boundaries with your loved ones and with yourself will help to keep you on the right track. Your famiy may expect you to be as active in the household chores as you once were. Remind them again of the benefits of pursuing your education and that they agreed to be supportive of your efforts. Then delegate some of the household duties to older kids, your spouse, or partner. Before long, everyone will slide into a routine that works for your family. Setting boundaries with yourself is another story.

So often we want to take on more than we can handle. It will be even more important while you're in school to say no to certain requests and to be creative about ways of completing others. For example, when I was going back to school, I often purchased baked goods for my kids' school parties or for summer gatherings, rather than making them from scratch. Though I enjoy baking, it took a lot of pressure off of me to be able to use that time fr studying and just pick something up from the store the next time I was out. Finally, you may be surprised to ind there are some friends who aren't as supportive as you hoped they'd be. Sometimes friends feel threatened by the fact that you're pursuing your education. They may even be jealous. Or they may simply be afraid they're losing you. Take time to reassure them, but don't let them bring you down or steer you away from your dreams.

Altough adding college to your life will be an adjustment, things will eventually settle down. If you've been a student for a while now, what has worked for you? What would you suggest to help new students in forming a support network?

The Four-Year Myth

marybabysteps — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:16:30 -0400

Photo by gadl

When I was an academic adviser at the community college level, I often encountered students who would ask me the best way to finish their degree in four years. Even adult students who were working part-time or had families seemed to be focused on that magic number of four years. You don't have to finish your degree in four years; set a realistic goal to complete your program that fits your lifestyle.

Taking Longer Doesn't Equal Failure

Taking longer to complete your Bachelor's degree doesn't make you a failure. An Associate's degree will likely take you longer than two years to finish as well. Take some time to let yourself get comfortable with the fact that it's okay to take the time you need and to go at your own pace. Capella University's blog covered this topic very well.

You're Not Behind

The title of this blog is Never Too Late For College. Remember that. Just because you've gotten a "late start", that doesn't mean you're behind. College isn't a race. Your emotional state, your relationships, and your grades will likely suffer if you try to take it all on at once and finish in an unrealistic time frame. You can accomplish your dreams, even if getting your degree takes longer than you had realized. I used to tell my students about my friend's mom. She actually attended college with him. She went on to earn her Master's and Dcotorate degrees and is now an associate professor at a prestigious university. Not bad for someone who started college at mid-life! You can reach your career aspirations, too.

Don't Make Comparisons

Try not to compare your college path to those of your classmates. Please keep your individual situation in mind when scheduling your classes and planning your curriculum. If you have a full-time job and a family, I wouldn't recommend taking more than one or two classes. Sometimes financial aid criteria require that students take at least six credits. Try to choose a balance courseload. Take one class that may be challenging and one that is interesting or easy for you. Remember, you can always take classes in the summer. The credits do add up, and you will finish!

What are your thoughts? Are you stressing out about whether you'll ever earn that degree? Read Stacy's story for inspiration and encouragement.

Should You Drop a Class?

marybabysteps — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:27:34 -0400

This question is often asked by all college students, not just returning adults. However, as an adult student, you may have outside obligations that make it feel more urgent to lessen your load. If you're doing poorly in a class or two, your gut reaction may be to just drop it. After all, you've got so much on your plate, wouldn't it be better to focus on the classes you're doing well in? Maybe, but maybe not. Here are some reasons to consider sticking it out in that tough class.

You Need the Class Eventually

If the class you're struggling in is required for your curriculum, I recommend staying enrolled. Even if you're doing poorly, by sitting through the class and listening to the lecture, you'll be picking up some of the information. This will make it much easier to understand the next time around,should you have to repeat the course. The more you expose yourself to difficult concepts, the better you'll be able to grasp them.

You Receive Financial Aid

If you're currently receiving any form of financial aid, it may be in your best interest to stay in the class. Financial aid policiies often require students to complete a certain amount of credits each semester in order to remain eligible for future aid. Check with your financial aid office before dropping a course to find out the ramifications on your aid package. Dropping a class may mean that you'll need to come up with hundreds of dollars out of your own pocket down the road in order to get back on track with finanicial aid requirements.

You Like the Class

Sometimes students get discouraged and give up before it's necessary. If you like the class and are interested in the material, it would be a shame to walk away simply because you feel you're not doing well in the class. Talk to your instructor to see what your options may be. Maybe you're not doing as poorly as you think you are or maybe getting some help from a tutor will help you to make the information click.

No matter what your situation, I always recommend talking to your professor first. You may then want to see an academic adviser or financial aid officer for more information. Dropping a class too soon can have an adverse effect on your financial aid and on your academic future, as well as in how you feel about yourself. Only drop a class after you've thoroughly researched your options and are aware of the ramifications.