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I made my decision to return to college shortly before my fortieth birthday. I had been working numerous seasonal jobs over the previous several years, not involved in any of the fields I truly cared about. One day I began listing in my journal ways to improve my quality of life and move closer to my goals. Before I knew it, the idea of returning to college full-time had taken hold.

I have not attended school since November 1986, when I left college after a serious freshman struggle with nerves and homesickness. None of my experiences up to that point had prepared me for living away from home.

Life has brought many changes since then, as it will for almost anyone after 22 years. I have traveled and lived in five states and two foreign countries since graduation. I have dealt with domestic abuse, recovered from drug addiction, and started a continuing path of spiritual and emotional growth.

My areas of scholastic interest have shifted, as well. When I enrolled in college out of high school, my major was French with a minor in Creative Writing. My career intention was to become an interpreter for a book publishing company or perhaps write a novel in French, which at the time my romantic idealist mind found the epitome of creative success!

Now, my intended major is History, with supplemental courses in anthropology, cultural studies, comparative religion, languages, and geography. I hope to use this knowledge to write about my travels, work in a museum or explore opportunities with volunteer agencies that work in developing countries.

The most difficult part of my journey thus far has been educating myself about financial aid options and procedures. I had put off returning to school several times out of fear of not being able to afford it. I did not understand that through filing a FAFSA, there was a possibility to have part or even all of my education paid for.

I learned that getting an official transcript from previous schools is a simple procedure and that SAT scores are often not required from adult students who took them prior to 1986. I regained courage by contacting various schools via telephone and asking them questions about special programs for adults.

My own journey is only just beginning. I am still in the process of selecting the right school for me.

This essay was written to help other adult students who may be nervous about taking this step gather the confidence and knowledge they need to pursue their dream of a higher education. Do not let fear or doubts stand in your way!

Learn more about this author, Tammy Winand.
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