I'm going back to college! - Page 2

over30 · 05-16-2008, 09:16 PM

My 56 year old sister got her BFA in 1974 and started taking the prerequisites for nursing school last fall. Her oldest is a college graduate and the baby will be a college senior this fall. She says it's hard and time-consuming, but she's enjoying it. Best wishes to you.

momof3boyz · 05-16-2008, 09:48 PM

Thanks everyone! You all are wonderful and encouraging. I'll keep you posted as things progress.

silvervestersmom · 05-17-2008, 12:51 AM

I took 14 years "off" from formal education between getting my B.S. in Elementary Education (I did teach) and beginning law school as a full time student. My kids were 9, 11 and 14. I think it was one of the best decisions I ever made. None of my kids want to become lawyers because they have vivid memories of all the nights and weekends they saw me study but I wouldn't give up those 3 years and my chosen second profession for anything. Good luck in your nursing studies. It is so worth it!

LIMOMOF2 · 05-17-2008, 08:08 AM

Good luck to you momof3boyz.

zoosermom - LOL.

ellemenope · 05-17-2008, 09:21 AM

Factor in that your brain won't work as quickly as it did when you were younger. I used to be able to memorize all sorts of things without effort when I was in college the first time. Now I can't even remember what I had for breakfast.

cottonwood513 · 05-17-2008, 09:57 AM

"Can we help pick your college?" lol

My sister had three kids, started nursing school when the youngest

was two years old, living happily ever now.

oregonianmom · 05-17-2008, 11:06 AM

Good for you! I went back to college 4.5 years ago, after being a stay-at-home mom. At first, like you, I was going to study nursing. I took 2 classes a quarter at my local community college (anatomy & physiology, chemistry, etc.) as pre-reqs for the nursing program. While I was taking microbiology, I discovered I really like lab work. At that point, I had already applied to University of Portland's nursing program (which I was later accepted to - wow, it's a hard program to get into!). I found a Clinical Laboratory Science program at Oregon Health & Science University, and went for that instead. I graduated with my BS in Clinical Laboratory Science in December 2006 and am enjoying my part-time job in the hospital lab. If you have any questions about going back to college and getting into the study groove again, PM me. GOOD LUCK!!

Youdon'tsay · 05-17-2008, 11:23 AM

Just PM'd you about a blogging friend who did just what you are doing!

corranged · 05-17-2008, 01:13 PM

Congratulations!! And nursing is such a wonderful career. Good luck, and keep us updated!

coureur · 05-17-2008, 01:26 PM

>>I used to be able to memorize all sorts of things without effort when I was in college the first time. Now I can't even remember what I had for breakfast.<<

Yeah, but the motivations are different. What you had for breakfast is not going to be asked on the mid-term.

lspf72 · 05-17-2008, 10:40 PM

Wow - so happy to discover this thread. I'm another stay at home mom feeling the pull to head back to work, for a number of reasons. Oldest just finished his first year of college, the younger ones are 15, 13, and 10.

The problem is that I feel like a HS kid applying to college and realizing they have nothing to show under "leadership." For years I've helped out at school and also some church functions, but always (by choice) behind the scenes-- cooking, painting, delivering stuff, etc. Nothing much to put on a resume and no one particular person I've worked with often enough for job referrals -- just 'some of everything.' Anyone else in this position?
Am almost wondering if I should take a volunteer job at a non-profit (my past field) to get back in the swing of things. Sounds good except for the part about no pay... Where are those magical part time and flexible-hours jobs people talk about? This is where the age gap between our oldest and youngest has caught up with me, and my mother, at 84 and frail is presenting additional challenges. Just bad timing.

kelsmom · 05-18-2008, 02:33 AM

"Anyone else in this position?"

I am raising my hand up high! This would be precisely why I have had such a hard time getting back into the workforce. It's been frustrating. Just keep plugging away, sending out the resumes & cover letters that highlight the wonderful skills you have gained through your volunteer work. Get creative with your references, using people you have worked with on important projects. Just don't cry when you read the job descriptions & realize that you have no clue what systems & programs they are referencing! Do I know how to use it? Heck, I've never even heard of it!!

lspf72 · 05-18-2008, 02:29 PM

Thanks, kelsmom, it's nice to have some company!
I knew that finding something would be tough, but hadn't realized that even getting started would be a challenge.

and good luck on that interview!

kelsmom · 05-18-2008, 02:37 PM

About that interview ... the world of interviewing has changed in the past couple decades. I have to do a 5 minute presentation & I have to write an essay, along with doing a panel interview. Yeesh! I know I'll do fine, since I have no fears about public speaking. Just wish it wasn't midway between dye jobs ... hopefully the gray roots won't peek through loud & clear!

dntw8up · 05-18-2008, 04:11 PM

I deferred my Fall 1980 freshman admission until Fall 2002, graduated with a BA in Spring 2004, and graduated with an MA on Friday. Now I'm looking for an appealing Ph.D. program.