Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks: Going Back to School as an Adult

Have you considered returning to college but thought you were too old? The first thing that you need to do is change your attitude; you’re never too old to go back to school. While it may be a bit overwhelming at first, you’ll quickly fall right back into the swing of things. Here are five ways to make the transition back to school an easy one:

1. Look for Support

No matter how old you are, it’s important to seek support before you undertake any major change in your life. As an adult learner, finding this support is more important than ever. Talk to your family about what you’d like to do and explain to them what it is that you’ll need from them. You may need the kids to give you an hour to yourself in the evenings or you may need your spouse to take over cooking duties; you may simply need your family to tell you that they are proud of you. No matter what kind of support you need, don’t be shy about asking for it.

Also Read: Is Nursery the Right Choice for My Child?

2. Seek Help

When you go back to school, you’re going to need all of the help that you can get. You may need someone to watch the kids on the weekend, someone to walk the dog in the evenings or even someone to help you with your math class. As an adult, you may be embarrassed to ask for help or hesitant to put anyone out. Remember that seeking the help that you need is actually a very adult thing to do.

3. Go Slow

If it’s been a while since you took your last class, don’t overload yourself in the beginning. While you may be tempted to jump in with both feet, take a class or two your first semester just to get your feet wet. Taking just a couple of classes will give you time to get yourself organized, figure out how to best juggle your other responsibilities and help you remember how to study.

4. Get Organized

Before your first day of class, make sure that you get yourself organized. Buy a great planner or planner app, jot down or input all of your obligations, meetings and events and share it with anyone in your life that matters. Gather all of your supplies, set up a study area and get ready for the first day of class.

5. Mind Your Attitude

If there’s one thing that’s going to hold you back from succeeding in school, it’s going to be your attitude. Don’t start school with a negative attitude. Remember that there are thousands of adults that return to school every year and the same number that graduate successfully. There’s no reason that you can’t count yourself among the success stories. If you think that you can do it, you can. Look for a favourite inspirational quote and hang it where you can see it every day.

Also Read: Why you should never stop learning as an adult

You can return to school as an adult and you can do it well. Don’t talk yourself out of going back to school just because you think that you’re past your prime. An old dog can learn new tricks and so can an old human; you’ve just got to make up your mind that you want to do it.