This has been on my mind for a while now. I’ve actually filled out a lot of paperwork and am moving forward with going back to school. I have sent in my financial aid forms and my application. I don’t know if I will get enough to go or get accepted to the college. I don’t know if I really want to be the old lady in the classes. I’ll be looking at a second and possibly a third bachelor’s degree in English Writing and English Book Publishing and Editing.
Here’s what I do know. I want to learn more. I want to fine tune my writing and editing skills. I’d like to be a better writer. Will it help me to get published? I haven’t a clue. I’ll have to take at least two classes (6 credits) to be considered part time. When I look at the schedule of classes though, I want to take eight or ten of them. This of course would be WAY more than a full load.
Here I am 47 years old and considering going back to school. This almost seems foolish. I’m not getting a degree that will further my ability to make money in my day job. It might help with my writing business but there is no certainty about it.
There are tax advantages to going to school. I’ll get a tax credit for being a part time student. If I wanted to I could defer my student loans (not going to happen I don’t think).
I think between the two degrees there are about 14 – 18 classes I would have to take. If I take two classes a semester, it will take 7-9 semesters which is about four years. If I get student loans I could put money aside and take summer classes which would decrease the amount of time I would be in school.
Then there is the social factor. I’m not all that interested in the socializing or even the group work of going to school. I think this is the part that worries me the most. It is hard for me to think about being in classes with a lot of other people. I have to try to remember names and get along with everyone. I’m not sure at this stage in my life I want to play nice with others.
I have a lot to think about before I make my decision. There is still information I need. I have to finish off my application process. I have to see about financial aid. There is a lot to do and what if after all this work I don’t get accepted or get the money needed? Will I be disappointed? Am I crazy?
You might consider distance learning, which you can do at home, and at your own pace. There are definitely disadvantages to it (for one thing it's important to be sure you get into a reputable, qualified program) but the "playing nice with others" factor is minimized. Another thing is that in my experience few teachers require as much student/student work as I do–many classes just require you to sit quietly in your seat, take notes, and then do your own work.
I just got accepted to the university where I work. It is super convenient and my boss is being super flexible. They do offer a lot of web classes and I might break in slowly by taking a few of those. I'm just being putsy about it. I know it. I am excited and hoping that the financial aid comes through. I don't mind a lot of work – particularly if it means I get to focus on immproving my writing. Still not sure about playing nice but that might just be my grumpy self… 🙂