Hitting the Books at Forty

Like me, thousands of adults choose to return to college each year. For more than a year, I pondered the decision to return to the world of academia. It had been twenty years, after all. There are so many things that must be considered before enrolling. I need to weigh the benefits of having a degree against the possible obstacles such as personal changes, having the time to successfully earn a degree and still work, and the effect that studying at home might have on my family.

The benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree are countless. A degree opens doors to opportunity that would otherwise be closed. As a writer, I feel I am not only refreshing, but also gaining, knowledge in the mechanics of English. Working on essays like this one, and writing our weekly discussion posts has stimulated my creative mind. I can more quickly begin writing now than I could only a month ago. Most importantly, earning my bachelor’s degree is an essential stepping stone on my path toward my ultimate goal of receiving an MFA in creative writing.

At first, I did not consider how getting a degree might affect my personal life, aside from wider range of employment opportunities. Personally, I have found that the positive impact of taking college courses again to be tremendous. I have new-found confidence, and it has been apparent in my work in real estate, my writing and my personality in social situations. I have a renewed self-esteem. I feel this is finally my time to shine, and I am determined to gain all that I can from it.

On my daily “to do” lists, I have placed my course work at top priority. I am fortunate that my work and personal schedule are extremely flexible. I can set appointments around completing my assignments and getting everything turned in on time. I have taught myself to adjust and adapt to allow for studying. I never fail to carry my textbooks and notepad with me. Finally, at the end of the day, I am still able to squeeze in an hour or so of writing, if I am able to stay awake!

My family has been tremendously encouraging to me. My daughter has enrolled in college and plans to start classes in the spring 2009 semester. I feel like we will be good support for one another throughout our time as students. I also feel I am setting a good example for my young son, as well. He understands that I am dedicated to earning good grades, and I feel that this has influenced him to strive harder in school. He is only in the first grade, but hopefully, studying will become a habit that he carries throughout his life. Best of all, my husband can see both personal and professional improvements in me, and now he is considering returning to college to earn his bachelor’s degree, also.

At this point, classes have become a routine for me. I look forward to working on every single assignment. I enjoy knowing that it is never too late to learn something new. The changes in my personal life, my professional life and my family life have been considerable and most importantly, I am my way toward even higher goals like earning my MFA. I hope that the thousands of other adults who have made a similar decision are blessed with the same wonderful results.