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In 1998 at 38 years old, I started a new life as a college student. My military training in the Navy actually prepared me for college. I was an electronics technician. The Navy uses an accelerated course that stretches the student. After that type of training, I should not have been afraid of anything, but I have to say I was nervous. I was much older than the average student and I had not been in school for a long time.

So when I started my new life, I was determined to finish college this time. And yes, it was the second time I had gone to college. When I was in my twenties, I was a music major at BYU (Brigham Young University). Because I was trying to work two jobs and go to school full-time, I did not have the best experiences.

But, this topic is about the basic skills needed to go back to college. Here are a few of the skills that helped me successfully complete my college coursework.

First, I needed the basic reading, writing, and math skills. It was amazing to me that the youngest college students could not understand basic concepts after reading them. For instance, when I didn't understand a word or concept, I would either look it up or ask the professor. Many of the younger students would refuse to research the information. And, when the course became hard, they would quit. Sometimes these same students could barely read.

Second, I learned to research. If I didn't understand the basics of the course such as biology, I would look up high school texts for explanations of certain concepts. I was willing to search for information beyond the reading material or the lectures.

Third, I studied. I set aside three to four hours a day to study the material from each class. It was important to find a quiet place to study. Sometimes I would study in the library and sometimes I would study in my own home. Consistency, same time and same place, is the key for remembering information.

Fourth, I learned to write academically. I studied the form. I practiced writing topic sentences. I wrote and then re-wrote my articles. Again, this gigantic effort shored up my grades. If I didn't do well in a test, I would ask the instructor if I could write an essay to make up for my insufficiencies.

Fifth, I used my organizational skills that I learned in the workplace to my advantage in college. These skills helped me to study, practice, and prepare for each course. Because I already had a husband, I didn't need to use my time in entertainment pursuits such as dating.

I did receive a reward for diligience in my studies. I was the valedictorian of my class. I was on the Dean's list every quarter. I was proud of my work and my accomplishments. So don't be afraid to go back to college. It will be fun. I promise.

Learn more about this author, Cyn Bagley.
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