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The following is what I perceive to be some very valuable practical advice from a former student who took some time to achieve his degree. I wanted to share this with the future group members of this Tribe (because I know you're out there somewhere - I cannot be the only one, right?) It was kind of him to share this with me in response to my Yedda.org posting at yedda.com/questions/5041189510390/ , and I thank him:
John said:
For my B.A., I took a leave of absence just shy of graduation (at 21), worked full-time, then returned to take the remaining few classes 8 years later. I then earned a master's degree via online classes. Some things I learned that may be helpful:
First, be proud of yourself! Being an older student, you have a maturity that many of your younger peers might envy. When I returned to school, I had more realistic expectations of how to use my time, and I wish I could have told my younger self how important it is to not cut class, to take good notes, and to leave enough time to prepare for the next class, and other things that just come naturally now.
Second, there aren't special requirements for older students. Your professors may realize your potential and encourage you to go beyond the minimum for assignments, but nobody expects you to write a dissertation for a class paper.
Third, I found that professors are fairly reasonable about "life demands" (spouse, kids, etc.) that older students have to deal with. If you know at the beginning of a semester that you'll have to miss a class because of say, parent-teacher conferences, let the instructor know.
Fourth, make a deliberate effort to stay involved in class community. Online classes, especially, can be fairly isolating -- so if possible, make an effort to get to know people. (Maybe there's someone else nearby also enrolled in class?) This doesn't mean you have to stay up all night with the younger folks -- you're 30-something, not 17 -- but don't just be an email address or chat handle. You may even find some of the younger students looking up to you and seeking you out for wisdom.
In my master's program, I was one of the younger students -- many folks were pursuing the degree as a second career. It was great to have their perspectives and insight.
Finally, a caveat: verbalize the phrase "...but that's not how it is in real life" sparingly, even if it's true.
Good luck!
John said:
For my B.A., I took a leave of absence just shy of graduation (at 21), worked full-time, then returned to take the remaining few classes 8 years later. I then earned a master's degree via online classes. Some things I learned that may be helpful:
First, be proud of yourself! Being an older student, you have a maturity that many of your younger peers might envy. When I returned to school, I had more realistic expectations of how to use my time, and I wish I could have told my younger self how important it is to not cut class, to take good notes, and to leave enough time to prepare for the next class, and other things that just come naturally now.
Second, there aren't special requirements for older students. Your professors may realize your potential and encourage you to go beyond the minimum for assignments, but nobody expects you to write a dissertation for a class paper.
Third, I found that professors are fairly reasonable about "life demands" (spouse, kids, etc.) that older students have to deal with. If you know at the beginning of a semester that you'll have to miss a class because of say, parent-teacher conferences, let the instructor know.
Fourth, make a deliberate effort to stay involved in class community. Online classes, especially, can be fairly isolating -- so if possible, make an effort to get to know people. (Maybe there's someone else nearby also enrolled in class?) This doesn't mean you have to stay up all night with the younger folks -- you're 30-something, not 17 -- but don't just be an email address or chat handle. You may even find some of the younger students looking up to you and seeking you out for wisdom.
In my master's program, I was one of the younger students -- many folks were pursuing the degree as a second career. It was great to have their perspectives and insight.
Finally, a caveat: verbalize the phrase "...but that's not how it is in real life" sparingly, even if it's true.
Good luck!
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Washington, D.C.
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