Never Too Late For College

Happy Holidays To You and Yours!

marybabysteps — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:41:03 -0500

Final Exam Tips for Adult Students

marybabysteps — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:41:39 -0500

It's probably almost final exam time at your college or university. Finals can be pretty overwhelming, especially if it's your first semester. You've worked hard all semester. Don't let the stress of final exam time get you down. Here are some tips to get through it.

Make a Game Plan

You'll want to take some time to figure out a plan for tackling final exam week. Decide which classes will require the most work on your part and be sure to set aside adequate time for preparing for those. That's not to say that your easier or favorite class is not worth studying for, but it's smart to realize that the challenging work will require more time. Write down in your planner or agenda the times that you will set aside for studying and be sure to include your family in your planning process. Let them know you'll need extra study time and delegate ways for them to help, such as preparing meals or doing laundry.

Find a Study Spot

You probably have a regular study spot already, but during this intense academic time, you may need to designate a more rigid study place. When i was studying for my graduate school comprehensive exam, I studied at the the community college library where I was working on my internship. Not a lot of students spent time on the second floor, and it was far from the demands and distractions of my home. It was a great spot that really forced me to focus completely on my studies.

Take Care of Yourself

Finals time is fast-paced and hectic. But don't push yourself to the point that you're exhausted. Try to get adequate sleep and eat well. This will give you the energy and stamina you need to make it through. You also don't want to be too hard on yourself. Remember all the hard work you've put in throughout the semester and do your best to perform well on finals, but don't expect perfection. Final exams won't make or break you as a student. Finals only last a week. It'll all be over soon, and you can enjoy your long holiday break.

So take a deep breath and know that you'll make it through. Don't forget to smile. I'll leave you with some humor. Remember, that C isn't always your best guess on multiple choice tests and that your final exams can't be as bad as these college finals from hell.

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!

Effective Study Groups

marybabysteps — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:26:40 -0500

Study groups can be very advantageous to learning. That is, if they're done correctly. This isn't to say there are strict, rigid rules for forming study groups, but you'll want to take some guidelines into consideration. There are specific benefits for adult students in studying with a group, so keep this in mind when forming a study plan.

Mix It Up

Find classmates who have a similar study philosophy to your own. Students who are serious and dedicated to doing well will make the best group contributors. This is obvious. However, we know everyone has their own style, so think about asking people to join who are also quite different from you. For example, inviting a quiet classmate to join your more extroverted group may bring a sense of introspection to sessions. Don't just ask your friends; a study group that consists of varied members is most effective and will tend to veer off task less often.

Create Order

Set some ground rules for your group. Not only must everyone participate, but you may want to have each person come to each study session prepared to teach a certain section of material. Teaching others is a great way for everyone to learn new material and to retain the knowledge. Saying and hearing the words out loud is a too often neglected study tool.

Get Comfortable

Find a place to study that is comfortable for everyone and allows you to spread out. Maybe you can invite your group home to your house. Group study time can be great for socializing and getting to know others. Younger classmates may appreciate being able to spend some time in a home-like atmosphere, rather than in the dorm or off-campus apartment. And getting together with other non-traditional students may allow opportunities for child-care sharing and commiseration.

Most importantly, with study groups, don't allow yourselves to get distracted. While it can be great to connect with others, you don't want to defeat the purpose of getting together, which is to improve your study efforts. Working as a group can lead to increased information retention and effectiveness, if done correctly.

Do you have a group study success story? What's worked for you? What hasn't?

Education Assistance Available For Unemployed and Laid-Off Workers

marybabysteps — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:36 -0500

According to an article in U.S. News and World Report, there may be help for you to return to school if you're currently unemployed or laid off. The article points to efforts of the Obama administration to provide educational reforms for the unemployed, as well as help being given by charities, other government entities, and colleges themselves. This is good news for many in these uncertain economic times.

The U.S. News and World Report article gives several examples of programs across the country that are offering students free tuition, scholarships, and flexible options for the unemployed. For example, in my home state of Pennsylvania, Bucks County Community College is offering up to 30 credits for free, and the Community College of Allegheny County is offering free tuition for five specific career certification programs.

Community colleges, in particular, as offering many such programs, but you'll want to check with the financial aid office of any schools you're interested in attending to see if options are available for you. Also, as I mentioned in a previous post, you may find assistance through your local one-stop career center. Don't be afraid to ask. From what I can tell, there are more and more opportunities becoming available for students in need.

Even if continuing education in your desired field of study isn't covered completely, going back to school can be very motivating when you find yourself out of work. You may acquire skills to improve your chances of landing a job or to help you move toward a new career path. You may also make invaluable connections you otherwise would not have.

So go ahead and do some research. Check with the financial aid department of your local college, community college, university, or trade school. Also, you may want to visit Financial Aid Podcast for more information on financial aid and scholarships. This site is run by Christopher S. Penn, an authority on the subject, whose opinions I value and trust.

Good luck, and please keep me posted on your progress!

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.

Adapting to Different Teaching Styles in College

marybabysteps — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:19:06 -0400

Do you have a professor whose teaching methods drive you crazy? Does she go too fast? Does he talk in jargon you can't understand? What can you do to change this professor, to improve their teaching? Chances are, you can't change the instructor or his way of teaching. Just as there are many different learning styles, all instructors teach differently. That can be hard for both adult and traditional-aged students to deal with. What you can change is the way you adapt to different teaching styles. Here are some examples.

If your professor is extremely organized...

This instructor comes to class on time for every meeting, writing an outline on the board of the day's lesson. She gives key phrases like, "This is important." or "Three thins to remember are..." This is the kind of instructor everybody likes to have, right? Maybe. But maybe not, if you're not a visual or auditory learner. With this kind of teacher, hands-on learning rarely takes place, and if you need that kind of interaction to learn effectively, you may find yourself struggling.

One thing you can do to overcome the difference in teaching and learning styles is to make the lessons a bit more hands-on when you get home. Immediately review the notes, saying them outloud. This helps you to become personally involved in the material. If there are problems you can practice, do so, even if they're not assigned for homework. This activity will sink in better for you than just listening to a lecture. Perhaps you can even find videos in the library on a particular topic that will allow you to see the process in action. Another thing you can consider is working with the professor's strengths instead of against them. Get a tutor to teach you some outlining skills. Take a study skills course to learn better reading comprehension.

If your instructor is a conversationalist...

The conversationalist engages her students in discussions relating to the material. She likes to ask open-ended questions to be sure the students are on the right track and to provide them with a personal understanding of the topic. This kind of instructor expects you to come to class prepared. This usually isn't a problem for adult students, but talking out loud and expressing ideas may be hard for those who are shy.

The best advice I can give in this case is to come to class extra prepared. Have questions ready about your reading. Conversationalists love this. Be sure your questions are thoughtful and meaningful, not just something to get you off the hook with the professor. If you're insecure about talking in front of the class, try to remember that everyone else is probably nervous too. Also, keep in mind that this is your education, and you have the right to take charge of it by sharing what you know and getting all you can out of your classes.

If your professor is hands-on...

This is the instructor you want to have if you're a kinesthetic, or active, learner. This professor usually lectures for a bit at the beginning of class, then gives the students to take practice the material just learned. Often times, he'll walk around the room, observing or asking questions. This always made me nervous.

If this isn't your preferred learning style, remember the advice I gave earlier: this is your education. Try to remember that in helping to overcome your insecurities of making a mistake or being critiqued. Perhaps the best way to learn in this class really is using a hands-on approach. Just try to relax and let yourself get involved in the process. You may find it's even kind of fun!

There you have it, some examples of the kinds of professors you may encounter in college. As much as you may like it it happen, it's very unlikely that instructors will change their method of teaching to meet your personal needs, but you can make changes in your approach to learning that will help you to be more successful in all of your classes.

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.