NEW BEGINNINGS Tips for Older College Students
Amy Sweezey
‘Tis the season for backpack and crayon sales. Teachers are busy navigating through a new post-pandemic year, helping students settle into school and getting back to “normal.” It’s not just children who are eager to move forward with a new school year. Many adults are going back to college. With online courses and new technology constantly being developed, the opportunities are endless and adults are taking note. But what is sparking the trend? Even before the pandemic, adults in their 40s, 50s and beyond were returning to school. Each individual has a personal motivation, but there seem to be a few common reasons why older adults return to the classroom:
Starting a new care
er
lls, a degree is to develop new ski For adults looking ter. Decades ap ch rsue a second often the way to pu they want to employees realize into a career, some me may letely different. So do something comp ed of extra ne in or red elves bo retire and find thems or rendered may be outsourced income. Some jobs rs suddenly hnology with worke obsolete by new tec out of work. finding themselves
Becoming an
entrepreneu
r
Sometimes, af ter many year s of working in particular field a , people discov er they love th but want to br e work anch out and be their own Running your bo ss . own business can be rewar it takes a lot of di ng , but work. Training can help with launching a ne w company.
Meeting a lifelong goal It could be for personal fulfillme nt or to inspire others by saying, “I did it,” but some adults return to college to finish what they started or to complete something they alwa ys wanted to do.
Creating opportunities to
learn and grow
jobs and feel secure with Even adults who like their can have a desire to their current employment to school can be a way keep learning. Going back enhance personal to challenge yourself and ideas can provide new development. Learning new at work. perspective and enthusiasm
G R O W I N G B O L D E R / AU G U S T D I G I TA L D I G E S T 2 1
Finishing a degree use According to the National Student Clearingho e colleg Research Center (NSC), six out of 10 within students who begin a degree will not finish difficult too it six years. Some start families and find the afford can’t to keep up with their studies. Some more and , tuition. After the children are grown money is available, some adults decide to complete their schooling.
