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 BackChallenges of the "Mature Student" By Candida Hemsley Mature student, what does that mean? I guess if you're 18, a college student and feel that you are mature for your age, you might consider yourself a mature student. However, the mature student (also referred to as non-traditional, adult, or older student) is defined as someone who is at least 25 years old, has been out of high school for several years (at least five), and is returning to school either full or part-time. What makes them so different? Mature students usually have held or are holding down full-time jobs, have a family of their own, have experienced the headaches of adult life to some extent, and more often than not, have to pay for school themselves without the help of parents or financial aid. Returning to school full or part-time after many years can pose unique challenges to an older student, including but not limited to: (a) balancing parenthood and home life with school life; (b) re-learning and re-developing study, note-taking, and research skills; and (c) conquering the feeling of being perceived as "old". Being the parent of a student is tough enough, but what happens when you are a parent and a student at the same time? Not only do you have to give attention to your child or children, which often means helping them with their homework, but you also have to figure out when you are going to find the time to do your own homework. Add this to the fact that if you have a busy household, finding "quiet" time to do homework, or anything else for that matter, can be almost impossible. Not to mention the interruptions. Of course, there are all of the activities that the children are involved in. Parents are always running around from one baseball field, to another dance class or something. So where does the parent's study time come in? My case is a little different because my children are 18 and 20, one of whom is still in high school. They each have a small child and they all live with me. This means that the word quiet does not exist in my house, except when everyone is sleeping. As soon as I walk into the house, my grandchildren follow me around. When I attempt to go into my "study room", they cry and knock on the door, "Nani, Nani"!! I have found that sometimes I have to find other places away from home in order to study. This leads to the next problem of study in general. I don't know about other older students, but one of my biggest fears about going back to school was wondering whether I would remember everything I learned more than 20 years ago about study skills. Would I remember how to study so that I make the most of my time? Would I take notes in class in a way that I would understand what the heck the teacher was saying when I go back to them to prepare for a test? How about research? How much has changed since I was in school regarding where to go for information? Other older students have some of the same concerns. The advice across the board has been not to be afraid to ask questions and seek help with areas that are bothersome. However, even with all of these concerns, there is still added pressure on the older student. It is almost expected that they will succeed. Reports indicate that non-traditional students excel academically as compared to their younger counterparts because of their experience and maturity. They are supposed to have a better sense of who they are and what they want to accomplish by returning to school. Sometimes it takes a person many, many years to be able to go back to school, often more than 15 or 20 years. And if that person decides to go back full-time, one of the biggest challenges, in my opinion, would be conquering the feeling of being perceived as "old". A person who is 40-years-old is not old by any means; but stick that person in a room full of 18 and 19-year-olds just out of high school in a peer setting, and 40 can feel ancient. For example, I am 40. When I came to the university to take my placement tests, a young lady asked me if I was a teacher. My internal reaction was, "If I didn't feel old before, I do now. What am I getting myself into?" I explained to her that I was a freshman as she was and we proceeded to have a nice conversation. I talked about having children her age. I then went into "mother-mode" when she told me about a problem she was having and I tried to help her with her situation. From that point though, when I walk around campus, I often wonder what the younger students are thinking when they see me. In my mind, I think that they are looking at me as being old. In reality, these young people are probably not paying attention to who I am and what I am doing. Most adults who have gone back to school after many years and have graduated will tell you that it was very difficult. They will recount the numerous obstacles they had to face and the tireless commitment it took to finish. But they will also tell you that it is probably one of the most rewarding experiences of their life, and that the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled. Being a student at this stage of my life is a wonderful journey that I decided to embark on. I have totally changed directions. I was an International Trade Specialist in a bank for over 15 years. However, I have returned to school to get a degree in music. I don't necessarily know exactly what I am going to be &when I grow up", but if I face the challenges of student-hood with the confidence, experience, and maturity that my years have given me, and tackle my fears head on, I know I will succeed. ©2001 Candida Hemsley. |
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