by Kelly Miller

Created on: March 30, 2008   Last Updated: September 10, 2009

As a mature student, I haven't had too hard of time getting back into the system of education. There are a few things to remember as you attempt to return to school, and I think that few students, older or younger realize how important some of these things can be.

First off, if you want to return to college after an extended absence (in my case it was an absence of 22 years) you must, I repeat, must, dedicate yourself. Intend to succeed in all of your classes, and stick to it. Many students go to college, or return to college thinking or hoping that it's a breeze. They have jobs and attend college part or full time. If at all possible, never work at the same time as attending college. College should be seen as your job, and you need to be serious about it. The odds are stacked against older students, so focusing on your school without having to worry about your work will definitely be beneficial.

Another tip for the returning mature student is, don't be intimidated. Going into college for the first time since I was 20, I felt a little intimidated, but, after a week or so I adjusted and realized that my lived experience was helping me, not only in dealing with young immature students, but with the situations which we were discussing in my classes. I realized that I hadn't forgotten as much as I thought I did when it came to some subjects, and, I became a sort of surrogate mentor for many of the young students in my classes. Many of my professors were approximately the same age as I, so I developed a good rapport with them as well.

Now, I wouldn't want anyone to think that returning to school has been a breeze because it hasn't. When I was young I had no problem taking tests. Now that I am older and much more mature, I care deeply about my grades and have developed a rather quirky sense of test anxiety. It is not that I fear the exams, but more that I fear imperfection. Do not let this affect you if you can. There is nobody that I know that is perfect, and that includes me, but when I think about how serious I take my schoolwork, I just want it to be as good as it can be.

There is nothing wrong with setting out to do your best, it's just that there are many hurdles along the way. Set your mind to doing good, dedicate yourself, and stick to your goals. Success follows those who try.

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