My Back to College Experience in a Nutshell

by | Nov 22, 2008

My back to school journey went something like this…

The college I chose had an adult degree program that could be completed in 18 months. I had college credit already, in fact I had an Associate’s degree in Architectural Studies (I had dreams of being and Architect). Even though I had college credit I was missing a few core courses but I could take them with my other classes.

My major was Organizational Management (a fancy name for Business Management). I worked in corporate America for several years and I had business course credit so I felt that I would do well. One of the basic classes that I had to attend to meet my core requirements was American Literature. The professor was so wonderful and made the subject so interesting that I decided to change my major to English. The professor wasn’t the only deciding factor; I really love to read and I was amazed that there was a major that allowed me to read and write then get paid to do that someday.

Changing my major proved challenging; the adult degree program was different from traditional programs. The adult courses where shorter or accelerated and the traditional was, of course, longer in terms of class length. I made the change and never regretted it. It took longer of course but I enjoyed every minute of it.

I had to go through the admissions process again meaning I had to fill out the application, change my financial aid application, get recommendations, and be accepted. After I was accepted I had to go through regular registration like everyone else. I wish it was as easy as flipping a switch but it wasn’t. If it was then I couldn’t describe how to do it for you, so it was a good thing ;-).

I was very fortunate to have my financial aid in order because I was already receiving it for my previous program. This afforded me the privilege of getting my books and setting up my student account at the college store. I also got a refund check (several in fact) to be able to take care of my housing, childcare, and transportation.

Going to class with 18 -21 year olds was very interesting and eye-opening. I was able to see that many high school graduates just aren’t ready for college. They are still very immature, which leads to disrupting the class. Other than that the entire college experience as an adult was very positive.

I was very focused and able to do my class work, home work, and projects with ease. Real world experience (i.e. parenting, being an employee) taught me how to manage my time, be efficient, and take my tasks seriously. I was able to CLEP out of two classes, get an internship that turned into a permanent job, and graduate with honors.

Going back to school was the best decision I could have made. It may not be right for everyone but for those of you who want something better for yourself in terms of career I say go for it. When you kids see you studying they understand how important it is to work hard for your grades. They may even admire you and brag about you to their friends.

With a college degree I went from making $11.50 an hour at my highest paid job at that time to making over $25 an hour at my last job. I still have the ability to make more if I choose to really pound the pavement for another fulltime job. I have learned new and improved skills which makes me more marketable.
I made more at my internship than I did at my regular job before attending college. I was really amazed at that one! The point is that your earning power increases with more education. If you choose not to be an entrepreneur then you want a career that pays well so you can provide a more than adequate living for your children.

Have you gone back to college and got a degree? How did it change your life?

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