WRITE IT . . . SHARE IT . . . HEAR IT BACK
You seem to be using an older version of Internet Explorer. This site requires Internet Explorer 8 or higher. Update your browser here today to fully enjoy all the marvels of this site.
Listen to the Reader
Attending College after Fifty Years Old
By: nadiacobey
Attending College after Fifty Years Old
Starting college after being out of school was the scariest
time of my life. It
was sent by GOD. I applied for a higher position at my job, did
not know that the
position required attending and passing fifteen college
classes. Also I needed to
earn a C. or better. And if I did not earn a C. or better I
would have to pay for the
class myself. Or if I earn a F. I would have to pay for it
myself and retake it until I
pass it. I was so afraid because I had been out of school at
that point for over
thirty years. My first thought was, it is no way I can pass
college courses. My boss
neglected to tell me about all the preferences classes I needed
to take, before I
could take the classes that were required to hold the
position.
I had a meeting with my boss and his boss, because the both of
them tried
to convince me that I could pass all the college courses. They
said they wanted me
to try it because they wanted me to hold the position, more so
then anyone else
who applied for the job. They also said they know that they can
depend on me
because I always come to work. They would feel more comfortable
with me
because, I am capable of handling the job very well. They would
not have to worry
about meeting the deadlines.After the meeting, my boss
continued to talk with me, he said he
understood why I am scared and nervous. When he finally gave me
a change to
speak, I explain to him the reason I was so hesitant to go
college was because the
classes were going to be very difficult for me. I also feel
like I am getting too old
and will not fit in with all the teenagers. I informed him that
it is going to be a big
struggle for me to juggle work, school and family. And it will
be a very stressful
time for me. Then he asked “well, will you at lease think
about it over the
weekend and let me know your answer on Monday”?
The first thing I thought about, how would it feel to earn a
degree? I have
always thought highly of people with a degree. Then I started
to wonder, will
people think highly of me. I also know that in a few years the
sacrifices that I
would have to make, would be worth it. To be able to have the
type of hours I
prefer, better income, and have more self-esteem. Knowing it
would be a long
road ahead but, I would be proud of myself and feel a great
sense of
accomplishment. And cashing that first big pay check will feel
pretty good too.
Therefore, when I returned to work on Monday morning I did tell
my boss
yes. But I told him I am stepping out on faith and enrolling in
college next
semester. I have always wondered what my life would be like if
I went to college and earned a degree. So here I am only three
classes away from getting my
degree. Even though I had to repeat English three times and had
to pay for it, but
after I get my degree it will pay for itself. I knew GOD would
never leave me nor
forsake me. Because it is by the grace of GOD I even made it
this far in college.
Comments
MargeC
I have been waiting for an article like this to come along. And I really appreciate how you wrote it: sure to include all your apprehensions and feelings. I never believed that people should "stay in their own age-group" because, well -- wouldn't that be boring? One age group has so much to lear...I have been waiting for an article like this to come along. And I really appreciate how you wrote it: sure to include all your apprehensions and feelings. I never believed that people should "stay in their own age-group" because, well -- wouldn't that be boring? One age group has so much to learn from other age-groups. I am so proud of you, nadiacobey. I am SO PROUD OF YOU! I hope that you follow up with more on this subject. We would love to know how well you do and what lessons beyond academics you learn. God bless.
- October 8, 2014
- ·
penman
I agree with MargeC. This is a good article that speaks to a lot of struggling people. And it's well written.
- October 9, 2014
- ·
Will
It's not easy attending college at all, and even more difficult after the age of 50, what with all the anxiety over social belonging. It's nice to hear that you fared very well in that environment, and that you have the experience to teach other 50+ academic prospects to do the same. Good blog.
- October 9, 2014
- ·
judy_ann
WOW! Congratulations, Im so jealous. I chose to read this because I myself am in the same situation and I am and have been for quiet some time been intimidated to try to go for that degree. And I suppose it's for the same reason's too. At this stage in life, 49, I welcome the challenge but fear of f...WOW! Congratulations, Im so jealous. I chose to read this because I myself am in the same situation and I am and have been for quiet some time been intimidated to try to go for that degree. And I suppose it's for the same reason's too. At this stage in life, 49, I welcome the challenge but fear of failure is always lurking. I really couldn't care less about school kids or who's going to college. This time is all about me. Math has been my nemesis and is what has held me back. If I fail the time and money spent is gone. But then again, as you say, it's time and money well spent and it goes and it goes and it goes anyway. You are your own life's personal architect. There really is nothing to lose in living it to the fullest. Challenges and all. Nice work. Good Luck!
- November 2, 2014
- ·
Poll Results
Refresh
-
Is It Interesting? 5 Vote(s)
84%
-
Are the sentences smooth? 5 Vote(s)
82%
-
Is the narrative voice appropriate? 5 Vote(s)
86%
-
Are the word choices good? 5 Vote(s)
76%
-
Is the dialogue believable (if any)? 5 Vote(s)
36%
Founded by Steve & Judy
WOW! Congratulations, Im so jealous. I chose to read this because I myself am in the same situation and I am and have been for quiet some time been intimidated to try to go for that degree. And I suppose it's for the same reason's too. At this stage in life, 49, I welcome the challenge but fear of failure is always lurking. I really couldn't care less about school kids or who's going to college. This time is all about me. Math has been my nemesis and is what has held me back. If I fail the time and money spent is gone. But then again, as you say, it's time and money well spent and it goes and it goes and it goes anyway. You are your own life's personal architect. There really is nothing to lose in living it to the fullest. Challenges and all. Nice work. Good Luck!