Starting a new school year at college or university can come with so many mixed emotions, and that could come at any age. Whether you’re just out of high school, in your 30s, or in your golden years, deciding to step into higher education can place us all on that same level. “Hi, it’s me, I’m a freshman, where do I go again for this class?” “Did I buy this textbook too soon? Am I even interested in staying in this class?” “Does my hair look okay today?” I’m sure as you’re reading these questions you’ve likely had any or all of those thoughts pop into your head throughout the first weeks of classes.
Deciding to step into further education as a mature student can come with a wealth of life experience and knowledge you may not possess at 19. However, the choice to better your education and open future opportunities and growth can give you anxiety, even at the age of 35, like myself. I decided to take on the daunting journey of higher education as a mature student here at Camosun College, and if you know me you’ll know I’ve curated a plan to a T on how I want my trajectory to go. I’ve mapped out my courses and structured my plans for the future, just as I’m sure you have. You may have uttered to yourself, “What do I even want to do with my life?” I can assure you I’ve also thought that myself, both at 19 and now again at 35. But one thing I knew was sure: I wanted to educate myself further and learn as much as I can.
When people think about attending school they often wonder how they’ll get along, and being a young person in today’s world, that can be excruciatingly difficult to achieve. Will I pass all my classes? Will I have enough time to finish all five of my assignments this week? Did I just forget my phone on that bus that’s driving away? Do I have a quiz in my Academic Writing class in 30 minutes? You may not have left your phone on the bus at 8:00 in the morning as I did, but I’m betting you’ve wondered about the grade point average of your term. I have, too.
You’d think being a mature student entering into higher education would be a walk in the park. Although life can teach an older person life skills and experiences to apply to a college or university experience, you can’t take away that feeling you have as a newcomer at a school. At any age, you could wonder how you’re perceived by the world around you. All those extremely overwhelming feelings of anxiety, dread, and stress still can affect even the most seasoned adult.
At my age, I’ve experienced enough in my life to know how to manage things like my time, expectations, and emotions; all that to say, a human is still a human and emotions are a complex thing. Like, do I stick out in this class of young, bright minds? Do they view me as the old man in their class? Am I going to be technologically advanced enough to keep up with learning in an environment that has technology woven into every feature? Do I have enough time to study while I’m also working four days a week to pay for rent and finding time to sleep and take care of myself and be social? I’m guessing we can all agree that choosing higher education is no easy feat, but I am willing to bet my money that the return on investment will be greater than the effort, worry, and stress.
Someone recently said to me as I was explaining my choice and journey back to school thus far, “Wow, you’re so brave.” I laughed out loud—literally—and said, “What does that even mean?” And I asked myself, “Why would it be brave? Am I brave?” I think what being brave means is to step into the unknown, even when you’re feeling like you have no idea what to do with your life, or if your hair looks good that day, or if you’re going to be the top of your class. I think it’s brave at any age to choose higher education and, ultimately, yourself. That is brave. Whether you’re just out of high school, in your 30s, or in your golden years—we all made that choice to be brave and to learn. So be open, take it all in, learn as much as you can, and know that we’re all students here.