Posted on Jun 17, 2017
What are the most difficult things about going back to school at a later age?
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I am about to start going back to school here in August. I will be 28 When the semester starts and depending on how my military experience and training translates into credits I may or may not be a sophomore. What are some of the more difficult things that everyone has been through as you began going back to school, especially if you were 10+ years older than the other students?
NOTE: THIS QUESTION IS YEARS OLD AT THIS POINT. I GRADUATED IN MAY 2019 AND SUBSEQUENTLY MOVED ON TO GRADUATE SCHOOL.
NEWER NOTE: I FINISHED MY MASTER'S IN 2020.
NOTE: THIS QUESTION IS YEARS OLD AT THIS POINT. I GRADUATED IN MAY 2019 AND SUBSEQUENTLY MOVED ON TO GRADUATE SCHOOL.
NEWER NOTE: I FINISHED MY MASTER'S IN 2020.
Education
College
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 52
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Try being thirty (30) years older than the average student, and going back to school. I put off education to focus on my military career marriage and kids. After losing my first wife, re-marrying years later and having raised seven children preaching the importance of education. When they all finished school, they all looked at me and said "Your Turn", it's never too late. I am currently enrolled for the second time and determined to complete my degree! Though I face many obstacles like career home and all that comes with managing these two things, make it extremely hard to stay focused on school, but I am gettin it done!
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If you have PTSD, you will probably have memory problems. Take lots of notes. Study more, even if you are familiar with the material. You will get frustrated with the younger generation, even angry. Keep your cool. Try to connect with some of them. (won't be easy) What really crazy is on first day of class you walk in and they think you are the teacher ( probably because I'm over 35 yrs old LOL) I'm a junior now and it does get frustrating as you go along. Make use of the schools veterans services and your local VA and keep marching on.
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PO1 Lyndon Thomas
This has definitely been an issue and one of some concern. wondering if you can do this, at this stage in life. We Got This Paul! Good Luck!
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SGT (Join to see)
SGT Joseph Gunderson - The reason you're getting notifications is because the VA sent out an e-mail (today 8/15/2019) with a link to your thread. They probably should have renamed/take control of thread, instead you get hammered with new posts.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
SGT (Join to see) makes sense lol. It was a pretty awful thread before though. Didn't get but a few responses when I posted it lol
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I went back to school at 33. A lot calmer, more disciplined, and much more interested in learning than when I was a teenager. I found that absorbing knowledge came much more naturally without all those teenage distractions. The fact that I was the breadwinner and head of a household also made it easier to 'knuckle under' - there wasn't going to be a do-over like there were in high school...if I didn't make it here, I had a family who were going to pay the price. In my opinion, I believe you'll find returning to school as an adult far easier and far more interesting...your fears will be pretty much baseless. God Bless you man, Good luck!
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Cpl Ken Stevenson
SGT Joseph Gunderson - Aye, I didn't notice the dates until after I had replied. But I'm glad you did it and finished the task. I wish you all the best in all your endeavors. Thank you for your service. It's reassuring when the younger generation are wiling to step in as old men like me step out. God Bless!
Ken
Ken
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the biggest for me is if I am smart enough and will I actually graduate with a degree. For me to go back to school 4 years is a long time
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Cpl Ken Stevenson
You'd be surprised...4 years actually feels like less time as we get older - and there is actually a "mathematical reason" for that, statistically speaking. *wink*
You reached a rank of SGT. because you demonstrated confidence, job skill, and leadership abilities. Take that same confidence and skill and those leadership qualities with you - they will carry you through no matter what challenges you accept in life. You're definitely intelligent enough to do this.
You reached a rank of SGT. because you demonstrated confidence, job skill, and leadership abilities. Take that same confidence and skill and those leadership qualities with you - they will carry you through no matter what challenges you accept in life. You're definitely intelligent enough to do this.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
Actually I found My fear of how hard college may have been was unjustified it actually wasn't that hard to do. It's a matter of doing You work, paying attention putting in the effort. Some thought You had to be smart to go to college, I present some that are college graduates as proof that isn't always so. LOL
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I have 10% disability rating am I eligible for a GI bill for education.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
As long as you successfully completed a contract honorably, you qualify for your GI Bill. It doesn't have anything to do with your disability.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
Learn how GI Bill benefits work and explore your options to pay for school or training. You may qualify for VA GI Bill benefits if you're a Veteran, service member, or the family member of a Veteran or service member.
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Cpl Ken Stevenson
However - do ask about Chapter 31 also. Vocational Rehabilitation. It is a program exclusively for those collecting a service connected disability. But it has a time line whereby it 'expires'. you have up to 12 years from the date they awarded your disability, to use your chapter 31 benefit. But if you can get your bachelors using that benefit, and begin a career yoy enjoy, you can hold onto your GI bill for future use...career building, a drive to just learn stuff, whatever. Good luck. Thank you for your service.
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Iam doing that now as well and would have to say If you wolk ft and go to School f t it wears you down. It was worth it but so damn hard and you are always Studying.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
GI Bill and VA Disability made it so I don't have to work. I graduated in only two years. In graduate school now.
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SPC Nancy Greene
If you have at least a 20% disability rating, you are eligible for Vic Rehab through the VA.
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You will dominate the class and be focused and ready to excel . Show them the difference
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I started college around the same time as you. If you can try and get a job in a field that will match up to your degree. Remember for every hour in class you will need at least 3 hours of study time to keep up with the classes. If you can see about using the CLEP program and knock out your undergrad easy classes by taking a pass/fail test and getting credits. Good luck you have a lot of support from the VA so use the services provided!
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