Why Go Back To College?

I started thinking about my future. I have a son that is disabled, he may choose to live at home for the rest of his life. I have a mother for whom I will more than likely be responsible for when she becomes elderly. I am not financially prepared for my retirement years. I could not envision myself managing these responsibilities on a low paying job, especially when I know that I am capable of holding a job that will support myself and my family comfortably.

I have loved computers forever. I enjoy working with computers and I also enjoy working with people. There is a stereotype of the typical computer "geek". They aren't too people friendly. I think the computer industry will begin to focus on finding computer knowledgable people who are also able to work with the public. I will fit in with a company who has these goals. I realized that without a degree, my chances of finding the job that makes me happy and pays well is probably beyond my reach. So, I found myself making the decision to go back to school.

If you think that you might be interested in going to college, read on.

"Me? Go back to school?!"

Less time than you might think! One of the first things I learned is that college isn't 5+ hours a day, 5 days a week! For the longest time I thought it was going to be similar to grade school or high school. I even put off looking into going to college because I was so sure that I wouldn't have enough time. It really isn't too difficult to pick up some credits even if working a full time job. Maybe you are in a position such as I am--full time stay at home parent. Then you might want to check into the college I am attending, Rio Salado Community College. I have been pleased with the education I have had at RSCC. I am taking distance learning classes which can be taken via the Internet, mixed media or print based.

"Isn't college expensive?"

Usually the community colleges are pretty affordable. For example, Rio Salado Community College courses cost $40 per credit. Classes are usually worth three credits and registration costs $5. So, $125 for a class. Plus the cost of books, which can run from nothing (for example, CIS133DA, an Internet class: the World Wide Web does not require materials since the class is entirely Internet based) to around $100. Books can be purchased used and returned at the end of the semester for a percentage of what you paid.

Many people are eligible for the Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is federally funded and does not have to be paid back. You can apply online to see if you are eligible for receiving federally funded grants at the U.S. Department of Education Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) On The Web.

There are scholarships available--yes, even to older students--and you can find these online at Fastweb: Free Scholarship and College Searches, & Financial Aid Tools.

Another good place to ask about scholarship information is at your Community College's Financial Aid department.

Check this informational page from Indiana State University about Financial Aid.

"Who cares?"

That is one of the strangest things I have experienced. When people find out that I'm going to college, they treat me differently. "Oh, you are a full time parent and attending college part time, wow!" Another reality I find unfortunate, but true. (As if being a full time parent isn't important enough!) Also, you might find that you are learning some valuable tools for yourself that you might never have found out about without taking a college course.

For example, I have been taking algebra classes and I have actually discovered some formulas that I can use in real life. Pretty cool. I have also realized that there are some things that I just wouldn't have the discipline to learn without taking a class. Algebra is one of those things!! It takes dedication and determination to learn the concepts and without the guidelines of a course I would have given up after the first three lessons.

Remember that the most important person in this whole scenario is you. You will probably end up impressing yourself with your scholastic abilities. If you haven't attended college, you might want to try it. It is very different than grade or high school. I believe one of the major differences is that you have been out there in the real world and aren't in a position of subservience like you were as a child in grade or high school. Adults realize they have a right to speak up and give their opinion, and many instructors appreciate that.

"Can I really get a better job?"

I am aware that having a degree is not a guarantee that I will be able to secure a better paying job. But it is a fact that most employers are looking for proof of a college degree before they even take a second look at your resume or application. I have heard that many businesses are encouraging their employees to achieve higher education and some businesses even pay for tuition. The fact of the matter is, time is flying by and you would be amazed at how quickly the classes pass by. You start a class and 4 months later you have more credits toward your degree. I would encourage anyone who has an interest to try--at least a few college courses. You may decide that you enjoy the experience.

Getting started and tips for success.*

*Please note that some of my tips for success are based on my experience with Rio Salado Community College and may not be available at other colleges.

1. I think the first step is to figure out how you are going to finance your college education. Check out the FAFSA site and see if you qualify for federally funded government grants.

2. Decide how you want to attend college. By the way, there are other colleges that are offering distance learning.
   • part-time/full-time
   • nights/days
   • distance learning/on campus

3. Speak with a student advisor at the college of your choice. There are tests you can take to determine what your interests are and which can help you decide which career field you should enter. This is one of the best things about returning to college as an older student. You have experienced enough of life and you know yourself and your interests to have a good idea of what you want to be "when you grow up." I sometimes lament that I didn't get a chance to attend college as a young person, but the reality is that "back then" I wasn't interested in college and tackling the books. Thanks to Rio Salado I have an opportunity to get an education now, when I am ready.

4. You will also be required to take a placement test which will indicate which classes you will be able to take. For example, if you do well in math, you may pass the math portion of your placement test with a high enough score to go directly into college algebra, instead of having to take prerequisite elementary and intermediate algebra classes.

5. When you are ready to choose your classes, pick subjects that you already excel in and are interested in. This way you can "learn the ropes" of how your college operates and also you can establish a study routine for yourself. Then when you have passed the course confidently you can take a chance on a more difficult or unfamiliar subject because you will know your personal study habits and how your college works.

6. If you can, "stagger" your classes. I am able to do this with Rio Salado because most of the classes are open entry, which means they start every two weeks throughout the semester. I enroll in and begin one class and then wait two weeks later to begin the next one. This way when it is time for midterm and final exams, I don't have to study for all the tests at the same time.

7. Another lifesaver is to enroll for your classes 2-4 weeks ahead of time, get your books and course assignments and get started early. I usually try to get my books and materials at least two weeks ahead and turn in the first assignment as soon as I can. Again, this is a feature of Rio Salado as we are allowed to accelerate our classes if we choose and if the instructor agrees, which they usually do. So far I've managed to get head starts on all my classes, but usually by the time the second half of the course rolled around I was right on schedule. Still, it was nice to be able work myself slowly into the lessons and get the hang of what was required without having the pressure of an assignment due right away.

8. Don't be afraid to speak up and communicate with your instructor. They appreciate it when a student is interested enough in his/her education to make sure they understand the assignments and requirements.

9. Find out if your school offers tutoring and take advantage of it! The Rio Salado math tutors have been invaluable to me. I would not have been as successful in algebra without their instruction and help.

10. If you do not have a good college dictionary, please consider investing in one. I consider myself to be an intelligent and well-read person, but I have found my dictionary to be an invaluable aid to me in helping to understand difficult or unfamiliar words which I encounter in my college studies.

11. Lastly, relax and enjoy yourself. Attending school as an adult is much different than it was as a child. The atmosphere is very different, adult college students are attending college because they want to, not because they are being forced to.

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THIS PAGE CREATED ON SEPTEMBER 20, 1999 BY STARLENE