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I went back to college as an undergraduate in my early thirties. I did so with some trepidation, however, because I went to the University of Southern California, where returning older students - especially ones in their thirties - are few and far between. I thought that I might feel awkward sitting in a classroom full of college kids.

I'm delighted to report that my anxiety evaporated on the first day of class. Within minutes of settling into my chair, I began to feel comfortable and at home. My fellow students were friendly and were not in the least bit phased by my presence.

The entire experience was immensely rewarding and I am glad that I did it(I went on to graduate school, by the way.) If you are wavering in your decision, I urge you to take the plunge - you'll be glad you did.

So if you are feeling anxious about whether or not you will be accepted by your fellow students, let not your heart be troubled. You will be delighted to discover that the vast majority of college kids are decent, nonjudgmental people. In fact, I felt very much respected by my fellow students. I discovered that I could offer them something that their peers could not: I could offer them advice - both personal and professional - based on my life experience. You could do the same.

A huge advantage of returning to school at an older age is that you will appreciate learning in a way that was not possible before. Your life experience will give you a perspective that allows the material to be practical instead of purely theoretical. You will enjoy learning and your grades will be reflective of this. Hence you ought not feel intimidated academically. You will discover that school is a lot easier, in fact, when you are an older student.

Again,I urge you to definitely go back to school if it is something you are considering. It will be rewarding in ways you cannot now imagine.

Learn more about this author, Hartley Engel.
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