Hi! I am 40 ( well almost, but close enough to own it) and I am finally going back to school. With some encouragement and help financially, I no longer have excuses to keep me from it. Classes start on Monday. And because I am only going back part time for now, the road seems arduous and very long ahead of me. But I am excited about it.

Don't get me wrong, I am petrified. It's been 20 years since I have been in a classroom outside of supplemental career training and the idea of labs and groups and having to interact with students that could be my children is enough to keep me up at night. But I am sure I will live, I may have to overcome my insecurities quicker than I would like to, but I am sure it won't kill me

My one question to all, and this may sound silly but to me it's a serious concern. What are kids taking to classes these days? I have nightmare visions of technologically advanced youngsters taking notes on laptops or their hand held devices of choice, while I whip out my antiquated loose-leaf notebook and number 2 pencil because I have already spent my savings on the classes themselves and the horrifically expensive textbooks without the deep wallets of a parent to supplement my expenses. Are the professors going to expect that I come to class with some new fangled note taking device or NASA inspired calculator that I don't know about? I don't even know if three ring binders are even cool anymore!

Does anyone have any advice as to what to expect when I start my new adventure on Monday?

Hi,

I am 51 (will be 52 10/09) and started school March 2009. I started out with 2 classes (6 credits)....I wasn't sure how I would manage.. I also took 2 classes that I thought would be easy for me.

Summer semester I took 3 classes and got straight A's. School starts on Monday and I'm taking 4 classes (thats full-time).
Easing my way into it worked really well for me and I am sure it will for you too.

Your 3 subject note book and #2 pencil will fit quite well and if you are doing beginning math calculators are not allowed any way.

You'll fit in quite well and discover that your maturity is a plus. you'll be quite suprised how well it all works out in the end.

Congratulations to you for taking such an important step. By the way be sure to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) you might be surprised if you qualify for student aid...don't assume you won't.

Be sure to get your rest this weekend and pack some healthy snacks to keep your energy up in school (smile).
Peace & Blessings,
Corvett

That's great. It's good for you to start your study again.

Honestly the kids ain't taking laptops to class as much as it might seem. Most of the ones that do are playing solitaire or checking facebook. It's less efficient taking notes on a computer so stick to a notebook and a pen!

Hello everyone. I am now at the very beginning stage of going to college. There is so much to read and search and i have no clue on where/how to start. I am a very organized person and would like to know how to keep track of all my searches and completions. How many schools to look into? Which is better:online or campus? Student Aid, scholarships, grants the works. Where do I start.

I have a CDL and skills in interior painting/plastering/tapering/wall paper removal/demolition and woodworking but jobs are very scarce if not non-existing.

I love computers and want to learn how to fix them, ie.viruses,mal-wares etc as well as build them. I do this as a hobby (removing viruses) for friends and family. I have the basics and people tell me I should get some letters behind my name...PHD...MA..BA...etc..
I need a path...Help please.

Hi Hubert. There are programs that are funded by the federal government called The Educational Opportunity Center. These programs are designed to help adults who do not have a four-year degree enter the college or university of their choice. The counselors can help you decide on a career, pick the best school for you and assist you with completing the college application and financial aid form and scholarship searches. The services that they offer are FREE. You can visit this website: www.neoca.org, click on Resources (on the left side), then click on NEOCA Directory. Scroll to the State column and find a program that's close to you.

I wish you the best of luck!