So...

[sagetea]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by JudyM (a host of the General Discussion forum).

Last edited Mon Dec 6, 2021, 06:12 PM - Edit history (1)

I've made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I'm 53 and decided to go to college! I want to teach High School History.

This is BIG, HUGE for me. From ages 13-20 I went through concentrated trauma and madness. Lived in survival mode for decades. And now I'm going to do something I never thought possible. I'm going to college!

I am aware that there are many obstacles and headaches that I will have to overcome and there is going to be some major challenges just getting into college (I only have a GED) but, I believe I can overcome those obstacles, heck, I'm excited to win those challenges!!

sage

Update

My ALL of you here, that inspire me, motivate me, and educate me!! DU, I am so grateful I saw that sign at W.'s blech..inauguration!

My daughter (who is a Grad. student) flipped her lid when I asked her to join me in going in person to our little CC this morning. I applied!!! I'll know in 2-3 days!! She is so happy for me, she bought me coffee!!! She is walking me through FAFSA and other grants!

Thank You, DU people!!!

Aho`

sage

[spanone]

1. ...K&R...

[Bernardo de La Paz]

2. You will do it and we will be proud of you and your students will be lucky to have you. . . . nt

[sagetea]

9. Thank you so much!!

N/T

sage

[2naSalit]

3. Good for you!

I did that at 35, a different outcome but, it was one of the best choices I have ever made. All I had was GED and I came out with an advanced degree.

One thing I discovered and hold to is that it's never too late to continue your education. If you already have stable housing and financial support, you are already ahead in many ways, go for it and never doubt your decision, you can do it. There will be times when you will wonder what you were thinking but the desired result is your beacon that brings you to your goal, never forget that part.

[sagetea]

10. Thank you!

I'm looking forward to it all!!!

sage

[Phoenix61]

4. Congratulations! It's never to late to reinvent yourself. nt

[sagetea]

11. Thank you!

It's scary, it's daunting, it's extraordinary!

I like that "reinventing myself"!!!

sage

[Scrivener7]

5. Oh, you totally can do this! I'm excited for you. Keep us posted on how you do.

I went back to school after 20 years away. I kept a Chinese proverb in my head and it really served me well. I'm paraphrasing but it was something like "before you can do great things, you must look foolish to the crowd."

There were many times when I felt I didn't know what I was doing. And I watched all these children (ok, not really children, but still!) all around me who seemed to have it all under control. And that was a weird feeling. But it turned out that the moments of being lost were the ones that opened the new worlds for me.

[sagetea]

12. Thank you!!!

I like that....even if you are paraphrasing, "before you can do great things, you must look foolish to the crowd". I did that always!! I always look a fool, but there is a method to my madness!!! Thank you!!

sage

[Scrivener7]

16. Really, keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, best, best to you.

[Alpeduez21]

6. Congratulations!! This is wonderful news

Good luck

Just know a couple things are very different from when you were last in school. Computers are the dominant form of communication and the price of snacks at the vending machines has gone waaaayyyy up 😁. You got this

[sagetea]

14. Thank you!

Dang...been saving change for years for vending machines, guess I should have saved dollar bills!!!

I know there is going to be challenges, computers being one of them....yikes!!!!


sage

[Maraya1969]

7. Good for you and I wish you the bet of luck!

[sagetea]

8. Thank you! N/T

[Upthevibe]

13. sagetea...

Good for you!

I went back at 35 and graduated with my Bachelor's at 41 years old. It was without question the best thing I've ever done.

I'm now a permanent substitute teacher (with a long-term assignment) at my absolute favorite high school. The kids help to make my life and my career joyful.....

You can make this happen. It just takes planning and determination...

[sagetea]

15. Ahhh....

Inspiration!!! Thank you so much!!!

sage

[Bluethroughu]

17. I understand exactly, and you will succeed!

If I didn't have another child to help pay for school, my husband and I would be sitting next to you!

Go to Community College get your General education credits done there. They will give transfer scholarships to in state schools, usually after graduation with your Associates.

[sagetea]

27. Yes!!

Thank you!! It is rather daunting looking at the hoops I have to jump through, I can only go to a CC because of where I live, but, hubby is about to retire and now it is my turn! Once CC is done, we can move to a University town so I can finish!

sage

[Bluethroughu]

30. You can do it, and what a righteous profession.

I tell my daughter, one day at a time. One class in focus at a time.

If you look at the amount of work needed as a whole, it can be overwhelming, but it all happens one day at a time, then presto you have your degree!

Keep us posted on your progress, it's inspiring!

You got this.

[soldierant]

79. Yes, I was going to suggest that -

a few solid Community College credits and the GED will cease to be an issue (not that it necessarily is anyway, but just in case.)

I've given the same advice to smart kids wanting to go into the military during times when having a GED wasn't acceptable.

[True Dough]

18. Before becoming a teacher

watch Breaking Bad.




Just kidding. Sorta.

Best of luck with the history. But do give chemistry some more thought. You get to play with beakers and Bunsen burners and other cool stuff.

[sagetea]

21. I've actually

thought about teaching science! Math has always been easy for me, but chemistry....I never even got to take it in high school, so don't know if I could teach it!

Thank you kindly!! I liked 'Breaking Bad' though!!!

sage

[LittleGirl]

19. I started college at 20 and

finished when I was 45. Good luck!

[sagetea]

23. My daughter

is 24 and getting ready to graduate grad school. Well...in a year!

Thank you!!!

sage

[Lonestarblue]

20. That's wonderful, and good for you for deciding to go for something you want!

Please keep us updated about your progress and how you’re liking your studies. As someone who spent most of my career in an education-related field, I’m excited for you.

[sagetea]

24. Thank you!

I will!! I promise!!

I'm just starting to get my ducks in a row!! I have some uphill battles, I'm sure! But, I love teenagers and I think this is a good fir for me!

sage

[Kid Berwyn]

22. Go for it!

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

Good luck!

[sagetea]

26. Yes, it is!!!

Nobody can take away your knowledge! Thank you!

sage

[secondwind]

25. K&R!

[lark]

28. Start small and easy and work your way up.

My daughter had a friend who is a good guy, but not the brightest bulb in the pack He's not stupid, just never focused in school so was way behind. He had to take remedial courses, but he perservered, and 2 years later was taking college courses and now has his degree and is working towards a higher degree and certification as a CRNA. He's been working full time since year 2 while taking courses at night. Slow does work, it just takes commitment and time.

[sagetea]

32. Great advice, thank you!

The last full year of school I was a freshman, had a teacher, Mrs. Miller, who was a math teacher substituting in English, she was an inspiration to me and I loved her and how she taught. If I hadn't been kidnapped, I would have gone to college because of her! All these years later, I can actually say I am doing this because of her...and many others!!!

sage

[lark]

36. Good luck with and enjoy the journey.

[3catwoman3]

86. And think how thrilled Mrs. Miller would be to know...

...what an influence she had.

[marble falls]

29. Behind you 100%. I promise to be responsive if you need to talk.

[sagetea]

35. Wow!!!

Thank you! You made me tear up! Thank you! What a very kind thing to say...maybe I'll take you up on it! Thank you!

sage

[malaise]

31. The longest journey begins with a single step

The quotation is from Chapter 64 of the Dao De Jing ascribed to Laozi, although it is also erroneously ascribed to his contemporary, Confucius. This saying teaches that even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point; something which begins with one first step.

[sagetea]

37. I'm just sitting here...

bawling my eyes out! You are incredible!! This place is incredible!!

I gave a sign with that saying on it for my daughter when she started college...I think I will ask her if I can borrow it!! Thank you!

sage!

[malaise]

40. You are very welcome

[Tetrachloride]

33. Talk to a counselor. You might be able to test out of a few courses.

[sagetea]

39. I will

do that!!! Thank you!

sage

[Tetrachloride]

47. In fact, today or tomorrow, call or send a first contact email

or visit.

1. Make a short synopsis of your life
2. and of financial and medical issues.

The hoops to jump thru for financial aid are many. Teachers, certain age groups and disability may qualify for who knows what.

Talk to your local librarians.

You can already see we all are on your side. Your community likely will be looking forward to your progress.

Talk to counselors and librarians before they get tied up in holidays and semester ending duties.

Even if you can’t enter school immediately, you might be able to test out in January.

If you are blessed with more than one college near, talk to any within 15 miles., imho.

[usaf-vet]

34. I also did things a little different. Military, marrige, college, first child, B.S. Biology, and

.... then bought and ran an ambulance service. Since then our small family moved west and stayed.

Two points. Since moving, I have never held a job that existed before I created the niche and then filled it. And never once has anyone ever asked to see my diploma or transcripts.

In those years I work for the USDA doing field research. I taught college courses, I taught in public school, and for 25 years I worked as a computer consultant to government agencies, public school systems, and businesses.

I'm still learning new things every day. We had 4 children, 3 were adopted. All have college degrees, families of their own, and live near and far.

Fifty-one years later my wife and I are retired and enjoying our hobbies, camping in warmer weather, fly tying, quilting, and spending time with family and local friends.

Congratulations to the new 53-year-old college student. Good luck with your studies and teaching.

I have one piece of advice learning for us all should never stop. BE a lifelong independent learner. You will be happier with each new horizon you open.

[sagetea]

41. My goodness!!

You ARE an accomplished fellow!!! Thank you for the inspiration! What an amazing journey you've had!!

I, too, am still learning! I don't know if I will ever feel as old as I am because I am not sure if I will ever feel that I have caught up to others of my age. (did that make sense?). lol!!

sage

[usaf-vet]

54. Sure for me it's like going to your favorite restaurant looking at the menu and deciding I'll have..

.... no wait...OH! that looks, as the steaming dish pass by me, I'll try that... but the waitress isn't ready to take our order...so maybe...
decisions...decisions!

Life is a menu with so many things to try deciding... what is next is part of the travels... what will it be.... wait for the waitress.

[niyad]

38. ((((((sage)))))) that is wonderful! I am so happy

and excited for you! You will deal with allbthe challenges, of this I am certain. And you will be a fine, inspiring educator.

There are, or at least used to be, a numberbof prigrams aimed at helping in exactly your situation. Please do keep us updated.

I cannot wait to tell a friend who has four teachers (daughter, SiL, granddaughter and GSiL) that their ranks will swell with an amazing addition.

[sagetea]

44. Thank you, niyad!

I can't wait to get started!!!

I shake my head, that just a few years ago, I recognized my trauma and started therapy and now, I feel brave enough to fulfill something I never thought I could do!

Life is strange!

sage

[Klondike Kat]

42. Go for it!

I entered college at 33 and went on the "night classes and lunch hour" plan. It took me 10 years and I'm the only person in my immediate family to graduate college. It was definitely worth it!

[Tikki]

43. You SO CAN DO this..and the eye on the prize in the best..TEACHING.

I believe there is a History gene that follows through in some of us. We just get where we’ve been and where we are headed.

I went to Community College first, received good grades and kept in touch with the College counselor throughout the time I was there.
She guided me into the classes I needed to transfer to University.

I graduated from a major California University at age 47 years old.

Tikki

[hamsterjill]

45. Wishing you all the best!

I so admire the spunk and positivity that I sense from your post. With that attitude, you’re going to set the world on fire.

Go. For. It.

[barbtries]

46. you can do it and do it well.

kudos for wanting to teach high school!

I went back to school 8 years ago, got a professional certificate and a whole new career and it was life changing. I got my 3rd certificate just about a month shy of my 60th birthday. When the day rolled around, at work I wrote, "60 is the new 40" on my whiteboard.

I love school. We're only truly alive when we're learning, no?

[LakeArenal]

48. We auctioned off our life and moved sight unseen to Costa Rica.

No one thought we would do it. My family thought I didn’t have the “fortitude” to do it.

Two and a half years later, we couldn’t be happier.

Have an adventure. Do what you didn’t think you can do. Think high.

Good luck and good grades!!!

[Ilsa]

49. Mazel tov!

That's wonderful news! You have a very workable and honorable objective. Good luck in your studies.

[WinstonSmith4740]

50. Congratulations!

It's never too late to follow your dream. I left education in the 70's and didn't return until 2006. Going back was the best decision I ever made. I had made a lot of money in the private sector, but the satisfaction was not the same. There's nothing, NOTHING, like the "A-ha moment".

[Cracklin Charlie]

51. That's terrific!

I would like to ask a question or two, though. Just for curiosity’s sake.

Why did you choose to teach history? Is there a particular area of history that you would like to concentrate on?

I love history, and had some great history teachers in my life. Best wishes to you!

[sagetea]

58. Thank you!

Hmmm...well, for me History is experience, History is something we all have in common, no matter what form of History it has its roots with all humans and many, many different branches off of it's common trunk. History happens everyday, every minute. It's never ending, it's never going away.

When I look at History, I see hurtful truths, get a rush of accomplishments, and embarrassing actions. I've always been a 'big picture' kind of gal. You can't see the big picture if you don't understand history and all the stories that are involved. Here's my example:

My father, back in the 70's searched his last name. 'Ames' he found that it was one of the 'oldest' families in this country. They came over in the mid 1600's. He also found that one of our ancestors was a congressman in MA. during the Lincoln administration. My ancestor was on the committee to push the railway access to the west. He was not kind to the Native people.

My mothers family came to the US in the 1500's, then to the west in covered wagon from Virginia and Texas. My great grandfather, when the US was putting outposts here in the west, gave his land back to the Blackfeet Nation, to spite the government when they tried to take his land. His daughter, my grand mother, married a Blackfoot warrior who was the son of 'Lynx Woman'.

And here I am, a child of Native American west and a daughter of the American Revolution. My family is in possession of several journals of our fore fathers. Now I want to learn and share and teach American History. The incredibly bad and horrific things that were done to members of my family and other families, BY my family and others. I want to teach the History of this Nation, because only through learning History can we heal as a nation.

I understand that it will be a challenge, that I get to only teach what I am allowed to teach and I can't change it...but I have ideas and am willing to try.

I was never really interested in it, until lately. My family thinks I should go and teach math because I have an incredible understanding of it. But, math is easy and unchanging, history has many pathways and distinctions to it. I hope, through this journey to understand and find truth.

I hope that answers your questions.

sage

[Cracklin Charlie]

61. That was an excellent response!

I think you may already BE a history teacher.

Both sides of my family have also been in North America for centuries. I don’t have the patience for ancestry research, but a cousin has traced one branch to Virginia before 1700. Most of my people seem to have traveled to the mid south, and stayed there.

Probably the idea of the covered wagon was not attractive to them. Those who migrated that way were brave souls of serious intestinal fortitude. I can not imagine the hardships they faced. And then there were the Mormons who were sent to WALK from Iowa to Utah. It kind of boggles my mind.

I think you might enjoy your classes. I greatly enjoyed my college history classes.

[panader0]

52. Congrats! A great goal, best of luck.

[multigraincracker]

53. Went back in my 40s and got all As.

Sit in the front row. My advice.

[LoisB]

55. Thank you, thank you!! You will succeed and be a great history teacher.

[Hotler]

56. I didn't go until I was 35yrs old, I'm 66 now. One of the most rewarding things I've done.

I took as many classes as I could for my degree at the community college level. Smaller classes, more individual attention. Less expensive also. Get a lot of your prerequisites out of the way. Watch out for summer semesters, they're shorter than normal with the same amount of material coming at you faster. I suggest sitting down with a counselor when picking classes. I over loaded my ass one summer semester and it got a little ugly towards the end. I survived and so did my GPA.

Rule of thumb for figuring how much study time to plan for during the week outside of class.
for an A = 4-hrs study per credit hour. If you have a 4 credit math class, plan to study 16hrs a week to get an A.
for a B = 3-hrs study per credit hour
for a C = 2-hrs study per credit hour
This is just for planing and you may need more or less time.
If you take 12 credits hours a semester and want to shoot for straight A's, plan for about 48 hrs of study time a week.
Again I recommend sitting down with a counselor to plan your classes.

Enjoy,have fun and best of luck.

[Gore1FL]

57. Great!

I think you will find you are more than up to the challenges. Congratulations on the new opportunities you are creating!

[Old Crank]

59. I have a friend

Who went to school and graduated and graduated with her eldest son. She then went on to get a Masters in Statistics and does some part time adjunct calculus teaching at a Uni.

You can do this. You may out compete your new classmates because you know the hardships and will be more dedicated.

Best of luck.

[pazzyanne]

60. Congratulation!

Good for you! Wishing you the best as you work toward you goals.

[Sympthsical]

62. Congratulations!

I returned to college this year as an adult for an advanced degree. I want a career change, because what I do now isn't particularly interesting. It's a living, but not something I want to spend several more decades on.

It is entertaining as heck to be an older student, because your knowledge and experience as an adult helps you understand the application of everything you're learning a lot better, and you'll often come up with answers to questions younger students may get stuck on.

Since you've never been, I'd recommend going to a community college for at least a year. Ease yourself back into it. Get a feel for what homework is like and how much time per week you generally want or need to spend on it.

Have fun with everything and try not to procrastinate =)

Signed,

Posting here and not working on the research final that is due tomorrow.

[Boomerproud]

63. I hope you have a strong support system in place.

Best of luck!!!!

[Javaman]

64. Good luck!

I can't tell you how envious I am of you.

I'm 58 and I have had this secret yearning for years to go back. but life always seems to get in the way.

Good show to you.

[bullwinkle428]

65. We will NEVER have enough intelligent, dedicated, enthusiastic teachers in

this country, so I'm thrilled to hear of your decision!!

[lillypaddle]

66. I went back to college when I was in my forties

I enrolled in a competency based program that took work experience and knowledge into account (you literally had to PROVE the knowledge and ability), and got college credit. I graduated in 1996 at 49 years old with a BA in Business Administration. It was a full degree, no different than any other.

I had held traditionally degreed positions for years, but got tired of skirting the "where did you go to school" question. Plus I had lost out on more than one opportunity because I didn't have the degree, even though I was qualified.

So good for you, and good luck! It is not an easy road, but it is an extremely gratifying one. I don't know if you've checked into this type of program, but I was able to continue working fulltime + and get the BA in record time (for me).

Best to you, sagetea.

[MLAA]

67. Hurray for sagetea!

[DENVERPOPS]

68. I wonder if you will be learning

the true history, or the same old whitewashed crap that we all learned years ago.
It seems that finally, the REAL history that is being revealed is 180 degrees from the versions we all were taught from Kindergarten all the way thru college........

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

69. Many blesssings with your new adventure. nt

[pandr32]

70. Good for you!

If you enrolled at a CC that has transferable credits to an associated State college you could get the first two years done and an Associate's degree. It makes it easy to get into a State college for the rest of your education and many allow some distance learning classes so you can work from home.

Best of luck and congratulations.

[peggysue2]

71. Excellent!

Despite the work and challenges, you'll enjoy it. Learning is a wonderful thing!

At any age.

[Wild blueberry]

72. Wonderful!

What a great adventure lies ahead! All the best!

[Sucha NastyWoman]

73. So start a blog to let us keep up with your trials and tribulations

53 is definitely not to old if you are young at heart.❣️

[electric_blue68]

74. A really good history teacher brings History to Life for students

... and how that will help illuminate their lives in the bigger world showing past paths, and future pontential roads.

Step by step, and Congrats! 🎉 👍

Keep us posted.

[canetoad]

75. Very good decision

Congrats on your exciting new life of study. I started my degree in 1984 at the age of 30, not quite as old as you but still in the class, 'mature aged student'.

You will be going into your study with all sorts of advantages over the younger students. Well done sagetea!

[brer cat]

76. How exciting!

I wish yu much luck as you move toward your goal.

[cksmithy]

77. I went to college after 1st child got her BA.

You go for it. When I decided to get a college degree, something I always wanted, I was in my late 40's. I wanted to be teaching 6th grade before I was 50, didn't happen. I had less than 10 college credits, (english, a few other classes) that were transferable to california state university system. I was fortunate because I always worked part time as an instructional aide in public school(good work experience), but also to have a husband with a decent income, so I could do my student teaching without fear of no income, or student loans. I also had to take a semester/year off for health reasons, but I finally got my California teaching credential in 2000. I was well over 50 years of age. I ended up teaching 2nd grade for 10 years before retiring. I loved getting a college education. I know it is a cliche but it is so exciting when you know a student gets it and is actually leaning. Good luck and have fun!

[RussellCattle]

78. Good for you! And good for us, as I must say that this is when this forum is at it's best, just....

.....plain encouragement and good vibes.

[Glaisne]

80. Some colleges give credit for life experience

so look into that. Good luck. We need good HS history teachers!

[SYFROYH]

81. I'm really happy for you.

[bluboid]

82. congratulations! you will sail thru every obstacle in your way...

the support is all around you.

[farmbo]

83. Hell yes!

We need teachers with vision and life experience.

[Joinfortmill]

84. The best of luck.

I went back to college at 40. You have one huge advantage over younger students, you are older. Yes, older, and likely more disciplined, more dedicated, more serious, and you will just plain work harder.

[keithbvadu2]

85. Go for it!

[raccoon]

87. I hope you are successful and very happy in you chosen field. Nt

[MustLoveBeagles]

88. Congratulations and good luck

[femmedem]

89. Congratulations!

My mom graduated from college the same year I graduated from high school.

You can do it!

[pansypoo53219]

90. i am reading a 1891 encyclopedia set. i want a degree when i finish in about 25 years. i am up to F

[llmart]

91. How absolutely wonderful!

Brought back memories for me. I started college when I was 31 when the youngest of my two children started kindergarten. I always loved school and learning. I had no idea what to expect, but once I got in the classroom on a regular basis it all came back to me how much I loved school. I went full time for four years, took courses all summer to lighten my load during the regular year, and graduated with both an Associates and then a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a double major. I graduated from both with a perfect 4.0 average and summa cum laude at the age of 35.

One of the reasons I wanted to go to college was to be a good role model for my children. They'd see me do homework and get good grades and hopefully that had some influence on them because they were both excellent students. Both have degrees.

I had a house and yard to take care of, kids to get to baseball practice or music lessons, dentist appointments, grocery shopping, making dinner, laundry, and on and on and on but I was determined to prove to myself I could do it.

You go for it and make DU'ers proud of you! As someone else said, just take it one step at a time.

[GeoWilliam750]

92. Many congratulations!

ANd very best wishes for your complete success!

[Trueblue Texan]

93. I read this this morning but was on...

...my way to work and didn't have time to reply. I am home now and I wanted to stop by and say:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I also went back to school when I was 53. I went to a two year program for occupational therapy assistants--it was hard, but I ended up with a great career. It takes courage to go back when you are "mature" but the great advantage is that well-developed work ethic and awareness that we have no time to waste. We know it's now or never and it's time to get crackin'! I've been in my new career 8 years now, looking forward to retiring in a couple years and I can say I made a great decision to go back to school. I'm sure you will find the same is true for you. You will have some challenges ahead of you, of course, but please remember that you will be grateful to yourself for going back. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will succeed.

Good luck to you and enjoy yourself!

[chia]

94. I started college the year I turned 50, part-time then full-time, and graduated at age 56 :)

You go! You've got this! And enjoy the hell out of the every minute in the journey.

[JudyM]

95. Locking

Sorry, great news/community post, but we hosts have to redirect this to the Lounge since it was alerted on for not meeting the SOP for General Discussion, since it doesn’t deal with “politics, issues or current events.” Feel free to repost there. (And best of luck with college!)