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Can you imagine working full time, supporting a family (both emotionally and physically) and attempting to return to college? Millions of Americans don’t have to imagine at all, they are living that very scenario.
What types of people return to college?
All types. Adults return to college primarily because they desire a higher paying career or a professional job. This could be a registered nurse, an elementary school teacher, a policeman or an attorney. It could also be an accountant, a journalist, a librarian, an interior decorator or a beautician.
The list of dreams are endless. Dreams sounds like a funny way of phrasing this phenomena? Well, actually, it’s a very apt, accurate portrayal.
Many boys and girls dream of growing up to be a fireman, an astronaut, a teacher or even a doctor. However, soon enough, financial and social issues cause many of these early ’dreamers’ to change their course. Necessity requires that they take a job instead of going to, or continuing college. Families, children, parents, and early debt cause most young people to work, work, and work. School does not seem like an option.
So, later, when they realize that their choices are limited, their futures sealed or semi-gelled, they decide that school is where they need to be. So, they enroll.
Who goes back to school? Well, you may first think it would be a loser who quit to start with, but it’s actually someone to admire and respect.
It’s an individual man or woman who decided that they wouldn’t let their decisions, circumstances, fear or situation stop them from obtaining their dreams. This is something to be proud of and to encourage.
If you are an adult who wants to return to school, check with your local community college. These are generally less expensive and offer high quality education close to home. You can advance your lifestyle both intellectually and financially, right at your neighborhood junior college.
If you are afraid of having ’forgotten too much’, don’t be. There are counselors, tutors, teachers and fellow students who are eager to help you on your path to your future.
What are the shortcomings of returning to school?
There are many hardships to be faced. However, please remember that nothing worth having is easy to obtain.
Once you return to school you will have less time to devote to your home life and your work life. That means working smarter, faster and under much more pressure. Just remember to take time for yourself when and however you can.
You may also find that certain people will try to make you feel guilty about your decision. Ignore these people as they are only insecure about their own decisions. Concentrate on why you are attempting to better your future. If you’re trying to get a better lifestyle for your kids, who cares what your co-worker thinks?
Remember that your family does not fully understand what you are going through. Try not to be upset if your spouse or children are resentful or jealous of your free time. Take it as a compliment that they miss you and want to spend time with you.
Invest in a home computer and consider taking internet or distance learning classes. These will give you a little more time with your family, due to the elimination of travel time. You can also allow your older children to sit with you and watch you as you interact or work online. (This is not recommended during testing periods, however.)
The final, and best, reason to go back to school is because it makes you feel better about yourself as a person, and it gives your kids a positive image of higher education.
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