thinking of starting college at age 47

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thinking of starting college at age 47

by trew
(castagnole)

The Question

I just turned 47 and regret not going to college. I did attend for a week when I was 19, then never went back. I was making, I thought, good money at the time, working construction. I am finding it more and more difficult to do the same work I have done for years decades in construction.

I am now seriously thinking of going to college to take the construction management course had started so many years ago. I do not know if it's the right thing, or smart thing to do, or if I am just going through a phase. But I have never given up on the idea of going to college, and every passing year it just seems to be more and more ridiculous. So here I am. Any suggestions?

Noel's response

I think it is an excellent idea. When a man hits your age, it is time to move into planning and leadership/mentorship and let the younger men do the hard physical work. We no longer have the desire nor stamina to do the kind of work we did when we were younger.

The fact that your dream of going to college has stayed with you all these years tells me it is something you need to do.

Many people, myself included, have gone back to university in their forties, and are very glad they did. Have fun!

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thinking of starting college at age 47

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Go for your dreams
by: Anonymous

I went back to college at 44 and today I'm 47 still trying to finish my degree going into my 4th year.

The problem with going to college that it is tougher on non-traditional students (those over 30) without the support of your family. If you express your desire to your family and want to do this and they are willing to support you. Go for it.

I've started to have a hard time with my mid life crisis until now. I'm wanting to jog but I'm blind and find it harder to do without a human guide. However, anyone can do it. Just be yourself.

Don't try to be like those younger college students. Do your very best with your classes. Try working with your teachers as much as possible. Take advantage of all the available resources to help with your learning. If you have a desire to learn, don't stop there. Keep learning. Go for it Dude.

How many older students are there?
by: Trew

Comment

Noel, thank you for your quick response.

Just wanted to ask, if you know the percentage of college student's starting college in their thirties, forties and older. I am feeling a little insecure, and foolish, and I want reassurance.

I know that construction is a male dominated field. I have searched the internet and called certain colleges offering the construction management course. It can be a two-year course or a four-year course with a bachelor degree (that would be very cool), but I cannot find out the percentage of older students taking this course.

I was hoping that you might be able to find out. I think knowing whether there were other students such as my self, I would feel more comfortable and be able to get into my course.

Noel's response

I don't know how many older students there are, and as far as I am concerned, it does not matter at all. When I went back to university to do a Master of Agriculture degree in my forties, I did not know how many other 'mature' students there were. It didn't matter to me whether there were hundreds, or none.

As it turned out, there were a few, but it made no difference whatsoever to my success at my studies. Knowing the number of mature students won't make any difference to your success either.

Your dream is to go to college. Do it!

Here is a quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that I really like. I believe what he says is true:

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.

Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.

Concerning all acts of initiative there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and endless plans.

That the moment one definitely commits oneself then providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never have otherwise occurred.

A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one?s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

Begin it now.

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Submitted by: Trew

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<b>Comment</b> Noel, thank you for your quick response. Just wanted to ask, if you know the percentage of college student's starting college in their thirties, forties and older. I am feeling a little insecure, and foolish, and I want reassurance. I know that construction is a male dominated field. I have searched the internet and called certain colleges offering the construction management course. It can be a two-year course or a four-year course with a bachelor degree (that would be very cool), but I cannot find out the percentage of older students taking this course. I was hoping that you might be able to find out. I think knowing whether there were other students such as my self, I would feel more comfortable and be able to get into my course. <b>Noel's response</b> I don't know how many older students there are, and as far as I am concerned, it does not matter at all. When I went back to university to do a Master of Agriculture degree in my forties, I did not know how many other 'mature' students there were. It didn't matter to me whether there were hundreds, or none. As it turned out, there were a few, but it made no difference whatsoever to my success at my studies. Knowing the number of mature students won't make any difference to your success either. Your dream is to go to college. Do it! Here is a quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that I really like. I believe what he says is true: <blockquote>Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and endless plans. That the moment one definitely commits oneself then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one?s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.</blockquote>

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thinking of starting college at age 47

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