At a recent river restoration outing (we were clearing river rocks and silt from below a digger log to form a deeper pool for the fish), I was speaking with a fellow volunteer about going back to school. He was saying that it can be a difficult thing to be in a classroom again after so much time. Not for me, I don't think. My mother took courses all the time I was in school, and when I was 13 she began a degree program. (I used to go with her to classes and labs when I was off from school myself) She finished a 4 year program in 3 years by taking courses during the summer. A little over 20 years ago, my dad took a computer course at the local technical university (I got him a lunch box, crayons, an eraser, and other "supplies" as a joke). Over the years, I have taken the odd course (Russian being one of them) and while some of it was a little tedious, I enjoyed the majority of my time in class.
Several years ago, I became a volunteer tutor with a literacy group, tutoring adults (mostly at the GED level) in a one on one situation. The best part of that was watching the light bulb go on above their heads when they had that "aha!" moment - math was especially fun. I'm looking forward to my own "aha!" moments. And when speaking with my fellow river volunteer, I told him I was looking forward to feeding off the energy of my fellow classmates. Kids in their early 20s have so much energy and excitement, especially in a learning environment, that I suspect it will be a tremendous motivator and aid for me.
I was speaking with the mayor of Halifax a little while ago and telling him about going back to school. He also took some courses recently and said it's a different experience when you're a grown-up. I told him (and my folks) it'll be easier for me in one way, as I don't have two teenagers, and all that angst, as a distraction.
Yesterday, I went to get my school ID and parking pass, and then went to sign all the official papers with the government agency who are aiding my return to school. I have had the example of lifelong learning all of my 47 years. I have the support of the Wookie and my folks and friends. I even have some support from the government. I'm ready for school! Now to survive the arrival of hurricane Earl overnight tonight.
S.
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3 comments:
Hi Shauna, All the best with your new education experience.Mature students can have a great upper hand. Attitude is everything. I have taken many courses since graduating from "X" and will be starting a new one in Oct.
( too bad we weren't able to reconnect - hope you liked the CD
kim
Hi Shauna.
I know what you mean about going back to school. I spend more time in school for various financial industry designations after I finished up at the old alma mater.
Interesting side bar - my mom gave up a nursing career at age 40 to obtain an B.ed. The bro, pops, and I ate out a lot that year - which was great since I was about 11 at the time. That coincides with the time I discovered golden arches and Harvey's!!
All power to you for doing this.
It's funny to hear you call yourself a "mature student". My son began his junior year and he's 28. He says he's the old man about campus. LOL.
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