As the saying goes “It’s never too late.” It is not an easy decision, but the attitude to learn and upgrade for a better career option and satisfaction is compelling enough to go back to the college. It is a tough decision, because being student life in itself was challenging, and with more responsibilities of family and work it is tricky.
Thesis Statement: Seeking higher education may present struggles of juggling responsibilities of home and work life, but the benefits far outweigh the complications and can provide career opportunities
Re-entering college for non-tradition students, of ages 25 and above is an audacious decision. But millions of students do it either to transition to a better career option or to update their professional skills. There are many apprehensions to the thought of returning to college. Most of the adults are working, and need to take care of their family or parents. A survey from www.higheredinsight.com suggests that family responsibilities, work responsibilities, cost of attending college, and fear of failure are the major reasons of getting discouraged to attend college. With all these responsibilities to accomplish it is a big task to makeup the mind to appear in the college. Broadly there are two sets of challenges for adults. One is the scary thought of getting to college, taking notes, studying, taking tests, getting grades and second is the financial help, and time management.
Colleges have understood the need of getting students back to college and do everything possible to make this experience less painful. Night college options, weekend classes, online learning programs, flexible teachers are becoming increasingly popular. This experience helps getting the same quality education without getting into the college campus and maintaining a balance between study and responsibilities. There are often options like classroom education, online learning or hybrid learning method comprising of both. Some colleges also facilitate child-care services and counseling sessions specially designed to encourage women to pursue higher education.
After makup the mind to return to college problems like getting connected to people for help on selection of courses, colleges, and funding arises. There are many online forums, FAQs, books and guides to help non-traditional students, complete their unfinished degree or to get a professional degree. Many colleges offer accelerated programs to help getting a degree faster. For those, who have attended part of the college they get the added advantage of getting some credits against their past performance and grades. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a Federal program in Unites States that offer financial aid for students who like to return. Nearly every student is eligible for an unsubsidized loan.
Going back to college as an adult can be an intimidating, but very valuable experience. Higher education opens up many more opportunities. Completing the degree can open up better opportunities in one’s career or help them move to better and bigger paying jobs. In addition to getting better job, higher education increases the possibility of getting financial security. New ways of learning, knowledge of internet, e-books, change in curriculum to satisfy changing needs of industry are some of the positive impacts of going back to college. Sitting in the same classroom with someone of younger can be a way to catch up with new trends.
Being an adult at college has its own set of advantages. Older students are mature, can focus and prioritize. They are able to learn from past mistakes, and can handle stress and pressure gracefully. They pose good examples to young student colleagues who do not pay attention to college studies.Conclusion
Success for non-traditional returning student requires collaboration from various people apart from his or her own determination. Among those are government, employers,’ industries,’ education institutes, counseling organizations and motivating family. Government can increase funding efforts, employees can make work flexible for adults seeking education, education institutes can offer flexible options of helping adults fit into their system, counselors can act as a bridge for someone’s pursuit for higher education, and family can keep the motivation. Want to finish education is an accomplishment. It is rewarding with a hanging diploma or degree on the living room wall and paycheck with more digits. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749-1832, a German writer said “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and imagination in it. Begin it now!”
Work Cited
Erisman, W. (Oct.2012,). In Supporting Returning Adult Students in Obtaining a College Credential. (chap. Grantees’ Perceptions of Barriers that Prevent Adult Students from Completing Credentials) Retrieved Month. Day, Year, from http://adultcollegecompletion.org/sites/files/documents/higherEdInsightBrief.pdf
Simon, L. (29 July 1998).New Beginnings: A Guide for Adult Learners and Returning Students Prentice Hall; 1 edition.
