by Laurel Barker

Created on: January 27, 2009   Last Updated: June 03, 2011

Funny thing, it was. Yes, I would be returning to college at my age! I thought to myself, "You mean they accepted me even though I knew I passed all the required tests I was still pondering about it?" Finally the day came when, after registering with the college, I could now attend class. Returning to college was so exciting! All kinds of questions were going through my mind even before I started. Questions like: What should I wear? Will the younger classmates like me? Will they think that it's funny for a person of my age to even think of returning to school?

The class I was enrolled in was computer studies/office administration, not just another homemaking course. This was the real thing! Anyway, to get to the point or the heart of the matter, I finally got to my first lesson and found that there was a shortage of books. Not to mention the price or cost of the books. I am sure that most students find it is quite expensive. Now about the students in the class - they varied, of course, by nationality and by their age. The majority of students in the office administration course were in their 20s. Now, being myself I would never criticize a teacher. But it took me a little while to feel comfortable with them and to feel involved in a school atmosphere. Mind you, there was no violence in class, which was great because of the fact that the elementary schools today have strict rules about violence.

Finally, the first day was finished and I didn't mind going to the college bookstore to browse around and purchase any new textbooks required. As each week progressed, so did I. Thankfully I passed all my exams and enjoyed the written exams online - as another comparison to years ago where exams were handwritten and lasted at least half a day. Also, presenting or performing your tests and assignments on a floopy disc was so simple, and again in comparison it saved me time and paper. I am sure that many teachers appreciate the fact that they do not have to go through briefcases of notes and bring them home just to get the tests marked for the next day. You can imagine the difference - another good comparison.

Surprisingly, the teachers still seemed to be burdened with work, or should I say, overloaded with class participation and questions. However, in the earlier days, the classes were kept extremely quiet and no one could even talk or they were scolded. Again, that is another comparison. I noticed also that the classes were not as large; in other words, the ratio of students versus teacher was far less. Yes, there was a tremendous difference in most every subject taken. Although it went quickly for me, the younger students found it quite lengthy. As you and I know, patience is a virtue.

The end result - are you ready? - was that I passed with flying colors. Sad to say, though, that not everyone did. Well, it is not right to compare who passes or who does not, is it? Good luck!

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