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Reasons to Go Back to School

Going back to school as an adult can be a rewarding but daunting task. Getting back to the classroom can make you feel bold, accomplished and give you a sense of pride!

Going back to school as an adult can be a rewarding but daunting task. Getting back to the classroom can make you feel bold, accomplished and give you a sense of pride. Adults going back to school should first ask themselves one question: Why? Not to talk yourself out of going back to school, but to have a concrete set of goals for your journey. Is your goal to change careers, finish a degree program, or simply to broaden your horizons? By focusing on your reason for returning to school, you will be able to better define your educational needs.

College Means Sacrifice and Compromises

Explain to your family how important this experience is for you, and how much you appreciate their support. They are on this journey with you, and just like you, will have to sacrifice and make compromises. Your family will have to take over some of your chores and make sure the house is quiet enough for you to study.

Going back to college after a long hiatus will give you some much-needed “you” time. Making your schoolwork a priority may mean your friends and family will have to be told, “No”. Friends and family want you to succeed, and will help you achieve your goals, even if that means cutting back their need for your time. Before you even start your first day, having a designated time and space for your studies will help you focus and relax while you work

Learning Is For All Ages!

If you are re-entering college after an long absence you should look into how many prior college credits you have. Even if the previous credits aren’t for your intended major, they might still count as elective credits which will help you towards your degree. If it’s been many years since you were in college then your desired degree may have additional classes that are required. Don’t get discouraged, as this will make you the “up-dated” professional!

For older adults, returning to college isn’t so much for the degree, but in the act of opening their mind to new ideas and experiences. Learning to play an instrument or how to speak Chinese will certainly be a mind-stimulating experience!

Whatever your motive is for going back to college, you will find that learning is for all ages!

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  1. carissimi

    On August 20, 2010 at 2:57 am


    great post

  2. Silent Wasp

    On August 20, 2010 at 4:53 am


    Great article J :)

    Just recently i write an article about my plans to go back to school next year. I plan to go into University after i complete the adult entry test in late Nov this year. The last time i was in school was as a 16 year old year 11 student, now being 23..and soon 24, it has been a while indeed! I can say that i have the life experience behind me to maturely take on study now as its never too late!

    thanks for the read :)

    Dejan

  3. Likha

    On August 20, 2010 at 9:07 am


    I definitely agree with all the points you raised here. I went back to school for my post-graduate degree when I already had kids. It’s a rich and fun-filled experience to go back to school when you’re more mature and experienced with life. Great post J.

  4. Phoenix Montoya

    On August 20, 2010 at 9:31 am


    This is such a good encouragement. Thanks :) I think if I would have the time. I would love to learn about languages- Japanese in particular. I would want to read their literature.

  5. Michal Dorcak

    On August 20, 2010 at 9:38 am


    Encouraging article. Though, once I’m done with university, I certainly won’t go back to school (unless I go there as teacher :D ).

  6. BRENDAKSHELTON

    On August 20, 2010 at 10:01 am


    I agree and it is never to late I graduated with a 89 year old lady who finally got to go to college and get a degree.

  7. LoveDoctor

    On August 20, 2010 at 10:13 am


    It is very encouraging and a great way to keep your skills sharp. Knowledge is Power! For anyone thinking of going back to school, this is the right time to do it.

  8. Joseph Scott

    On August 20, 2010 at 8:36 pm


    Thank you everyone! I agree, now is a great time (with the economy) to learn everything possible that will make you a better candidate for your desired job.

  9. GodsGrace

    On August 21, 2010 at 1:00 am


    That is Awesome!

  10. Joseph Scott

    On August 21, 2010 at 1:31 am


    Thank you GodsGrace! :)

  11. Starpisces

    On August 21, 2010 at 3:36 am


    wonderful write.
    Though I don’t feel like going back to school, but in my dreams, I always go back, it’s true. However, I think we should not stop learning, even if we don’t go back to school, we can learn more and read more to improve.

  12. Joseph Scott

    On August 21, 2010 at 4:31 am


    Very right Starpisces. Getting a degree is just getting a piece of paper saying you know a lot.. Doesn’t always mean you do though! Life experiences are a better teacher I think, but going to school is just another life experience.

  13. Jimmy Shilaho

    On August 22, 2010 at 1:35 am


    Learning is a continuous process. This is a very encouraging entry for adult learners.

  14. Joseph Scott

    On August 22, 2010 at 2:10 am


    Thanks for reading Shilaho! Going back to school can cause anxiety but I hope someone doesn\’t shy from learning because of that.

  15. Val Mills

    On August 28, 2010 at 1:35 am


    I agree, learning is all for all ages. I enjoyed your article.

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