I will turn 35 just before I head back to school. I have an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. I will be completing a bachelors degree in Communications.
My associate degree program was at a technical college so even as an adult I was never anywhere near the oldest in the room. I was right in the middle as far as age. So it was a non-issue. I am a little nervous about going back to a university now though. There are some adult students there but not nearly as many. I am also an incredibly shy person so that makes it even harder. Any advice?
I’m not, but I did know someone in my program that was around 30. I don’t think anyone thought badly of her or anything, and she didn’t make a big deal about it. She was friendly and didn’t act like “Oh, I am so much older and know so much of the world - you are ignorant children that make stupid decisions.” I’m not saying that you would be like that or anything, I’m just saying that I noticed the absence of that quality in the woman I knew. Anyway, just being pleasant can help bridge the gap.
Also, if people do find out your age, try not to be bothered by their reactions. There was a 29 year-old man in one of my Spanish classes, and another guy was just blown away by his age. Obviously, it’s not that old, but this guy just expected everyone to be the same age as him.