It’s time to step out
of my comfort zone and back
onto a campus –
new goal is exciting, but
my nerves are doing dances
© LScott 2013
Back to School Photo: Google Images
I began working full-time after high school,
married in my late twenties,
had children and here I am.
I’ve just been inspired by my daughter graduating
from community college.
Additionally, there were many older adults
who graduated, as well, some in their fifties and
the oldest was 73! I’m 52, so I think I fit in, don’t you? 🙂
My goal is to return and work towards an AA in English;
a great opportunity to refresh my brain in many aspects.
Can I do it? Of course I can…
but I’m a little nervous, too.
I feel good about this; something new for me,
as my kids are now moving on, too.
My hubby has also encouraged me,
so the timing feels right…
to satisfy a hunger to learn more
and to keep my brain young.
If any of you can relate to this new chapter in life,
I’d love to hear your story.
Wish me luck!
🙂
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 
I’m happy for you, I know you can do it! I’m glad you finally decided to go for it! God Bless 🙂
Thanks, PJ, it’ll be fun, challenging and rewarding, all at once! 🙂
I so agree with you, and you very welcome. Hope yoou having a Bless Day! 🙂
Way to go Lauren, my mother went back to college when she was in her 50’s, she’d been a nurse until she injured her back at work, She said she got along very well with the other students, many became friends (mostly younger) but she didn’t see it that way (their age). She loved their excitement for life and learning – it matched her own, so, good-for-you my friend ! 🙂 xx
Thanks so much, Penny, for sharing your Mom’s story; it’s very encouraging for this new step I’m taking! I appreciate your support, too! 🙂 xxx
Absolutely, you have it, completely! I have a hunch you’ll do great, on all levels of endeavor Lauren! 🙂 xo
Oh, you are too kind, thanks, Penny! Sending tons of hugs! 🙂
Ditto (same amount too) 🙂 xx
Your motivation, desire, maturity (mental 🙂 , not years) strength is far stronger than a youngen’s luck!
Aww…thanks, Steve, that’s very nice to hear and encouraging, as well! 🙂
Don’t stay too long in college. I’ve been here nearly ten years now. It ain’t healthy!
Thanks for the warning, Joe! I don’t plan to invest ten years in this, so we shall see! 🙂 I’d like to graduate before I turn 60! lol
I too was a non-traditional student working right out of high school and college at night while working came later on, in my 30s. Girl, I commend you for your choice and pray you’ll love it more with each passing day! It was intense sometimes and I worried about fitting in but you know what? My classes were a mix of young people and elderly and cross cultural lines and being “different” was a HUGE blessing! Anytime you need a sounding board or encouragement, or a cyber hug, you know where to find me!
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Martha, and for your offering of support in many ways! I truly appreciate it and all this encouragement is only going to help me! xxx
If i remember correctly you and I are the same age. Sometimes it seems “old” but the other day as I was driving and listening to Christian radio (His Radio) they spoke of a woman who changed her life totally in her 80s by going to the Philippines and becoming a missionary and at 87 she is still there doing so! Make 52 feel younger!
Very inspiring and I don’t feel old at 52, but it definitely sounds different than saying 30 or even 40. Sigh…:) Thanks, Martha!
I normally don’t either but being without income and with a swollen and painful foot slowing me down and awaiting some day when I can afford to get treated reminds me I’m not a kid. BUT kids get hurt to, so . . . 🙂
Exactly, “hurt” is not discriminatory! 🙂 Hope you are well soon, my friend!
And you will meet new friends, with any luck.
Maybe I will, Ben, and we can never have too many, right? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Go for it @ 100 mph. Don’t get cynical when you discover how you already know so much of what the teacher tries to teach…
Okay, Lindy, you’ve got me even more motivated, thank you! And I appreciate your vote of confidence, too! 🙂
You can do it!…I know you can!
Sending you much love, hugs and support for your new journey!
xoxo
Aww..thanks, Deb, I’ll need all the support I can get! 🙂 Hugs and love back to you! xoxo
That is totally awesome my friend!! Good for you. How exciting! It is the perfect time and you are never ‘too old’. Besides you’re still ‘young’ like me. tee hee. Enjoy. hugs. Renee ♥
Thanks so much, Renee, it’s very exciting and scary, at the same time. But I know it’ll be rewarding, too, and yes, we both are still very “young!” Hugs back to you! ♥
Go for it, Lauren 🙂
Though holding the position of managing director for an aerospace MNC, at age 52 (yup, same age as your new adventure here), I enrolled for a masters degree program in supply chain and logistics. Oldest student and on the first day of introductions, I promised to murder anyone who called me ‘grandpa’. I recall studying in airport lounges, airplanes, etc. My aim was to struggle through with a simple pass grade and to keep abreast of latest developments. Guess what – I graduated with high distinctions and overall top student for the cohort.
Don’t be surprised at what you can accomplish.
All good wishes,
Eric
Thanks, Eric, and Wow! Congrats to you for obtaining your Master’s and as top student…that’s just wonderful and I truly do appreciate your humor (grandpa) 🙂 and your encouragement! Now I know how “young” you are, too! Thanks again, my friend…
Oh Lauren, I am so excited for you! You will do great, especially in the field of English!! Let me know if you need help (I’m a geek and love that stuff hehe). Much love to you xx
Aww…thanks, Christy, I’m excited and nervous, as you can see…what I most fear is math, only because I’ve been away from it for so long. I was a straight A student “back then” but this is now, so pray for me! 🙂 I may take you up on your help if I need it and appreciate your offer! Love and hugs to you, too! xx
Woot! Woot! Go You!! :)))
Thanks, Sam! Your enthusiasm rocks! 🙂 xx
Education is always a stream that anyone can go for a dip and swim..ofcourse get the degree too 🙂 best of luck !!
Thanks so much, Kalabalu, for your beautiful metaphor and wishes! I appreciate your visit, too! 🙂
thank you and good luck !
YAY YOU!!! ‘Scuse my screaming, ahem-ahem. I just know you’ll be stellar and will love this. I’m cheering you on from here!
xoxo!
Kathryn
Kathryn, you can scream on my blog anytime! 🙂 BIG thanks for your support and enthusiasm! I need all I can get! 🙂 xoxo
Hey, sis! Do you need any algebra tutoring? % + – x
Your ambition is infectious, but not enough for me to go to graduate school in my 60s. You always succeed at whatever you attempt so GET TO IT! Love you, Susie
I just might! 🙂 I have to do some reviewing before taking the placement tests, but I’m waiting for my student number via email before I can make the appts. We shall see and thanks for your great complement. That means the world to me. By the way, you have your BS and are the math wiz in the family, so don’t worry about going for your masters! I’ll keep you posted! Love you, too!
Hi Lauren! Long time, I know, first time I’ve been back to my blog for a lllooonnnggg time! Well done, going back to studying. I did the same thing at 35, went to university to become a scientist. very trying, studying full time whilst raising three young children, but the best thing I ever did. You will be great at it. I haven’t written poetry forever, so looking forward to getting back into blogging, and reading yours 🙂
Hi Sharon, It’s GREAT to see you back and thanks so much for the educational encouragement. I don’t think I could have done it when the kids were young, so congrats to you! But, now that they’re older and moving on, the timing is better. I can’t wait to read your wonderful writing again, too! 🙂 xx
Aww Lauren, I am so excited for you! I am sure you will love it! At my uni, we have a lot of students about your age and older as well. When I started my course I was one of the youngest so I was the one that felt a bit out of place. Good luck with it 🙂 xx
Thanks so much, Bianca, for your encouragement and it’s good to hear of the different ages. I think that’s the great thing about college; it’s for anyone at any time in their life! I truly appreciate your good wishes, too! xx 🙂
That’s great and very inspiring! The things that we’re most nervous about are the things that are really worth doing. I’m sure you’ll fit in perfectly anyway!
Aww…thanks, Sheila, I hope so! I’m going to do it slowly, but “doing it” is the key for me and I’m very excited! Hugs!
Wonderful news Lauren! I have commented on this in my reply to your email.
❤HBL xx
Thanks, Chris, and I’ll look for your email; just got home from work! HBL ♥ xoxo
Bravo Lauren! This will be your “cup of tea”. A marvelous new adventure. You will do marvelously well – Virginia
Thanks so much for your vote of confidence, Virgina! I hope all goes well! 🙂 xx
I’m confident you’ll do well, and enjoy yourself. God bless your adventure.
I think I will even though I’m a little nervous and thank you for your blessings! xx
Tweaked it a tiny bit. 😀 I did the same thing and found it much easier with that long break and many years of life under my belt. You will do very well!
It’s time to step out
bringing my experience
onto a campus –
where others will learn from me
teacher and student am I.
Good for you, Lauren, I wish you the best!
It was 2002 and Mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I thought about finishing college (a grueling 18 month course load) but had decided not to do it.
Then a counselor reminded me that in 18 months Mom might be dead and what would I have to show for it; so I went back to school and made Mom proud. Just wish she’d lived to see me graduate.
Aww…Sandy, thanks for sharing your story and I’m so happy that you did go back, but sorry your Mom didn’t see you graduate. However, she knew and I know she was very proud of you…