Not all who wander are lost.
Yes, it鈥檚 an odd thing to think about; coming back to school when you are in your later 20鈥檚 or early 30鈥檚. For some, it鈥檚 the first time going to college. For others, it鈥檚 a second chance. For me, it鈥檚 the second chance. It鈥檚 a second chance to know what I want to do and get it done, in a longer time frame because I鈥檓 an adult, with adult bills and an adult job. For me, it鈥檚 bigger this time. It means more to me to get my degree and get the job I want. I want to show my nieces and nephews that it鈥檚 okay to take the road less traveled.
There are some benefits to returning to or starting college as an adult learner, like:聽
- You know what you want to do in your life and have a better plan.聽聽
- Your brain is fully developed, which might make learning more productive and strengthen memory.聽聽
- Depending on where you work, they might offer a Tuition Assistance Program to pay for some of the tuition or student loan balance you have left from college.聽聽
- If you move out of state, most colleges still offer housing to those who are older, it鈥檚 cheaper in the long haul. I, personally, LOVE this. More money for groceries and gas, yes please!!聽
- Traditional college-age students appreciate the perspective and lived experience that adult learners bring to class. I鈥檝e also found that Gen Z is very accepting of diverse backgrounds, and I鈥檝e felt welcome in classes.聽聽
For most of us in our 30鈥檚, returning to school at this age is not part of the 鈥減lan鈥� that we were told while in high school. Follow the path that makes sense and is comfortable for you. It鈥檚 your journey, no one else鈥檚, so enjoy it. You鈥檝e got this!
Mitch (She/They)
Peer Health Educator