You’ve decided it’s time to do something for yourself. Now that you’ve raised your children and are either settled in your career or are looking for a career advancement, it’s time to go back to college. Yes, you may be older than most of your classmates, but making the decision to become an “adult learner” may be one of the best you’ve ever made.

Your choices for back to school are typically - online or on campus. While online classes may offer you more options for classes to take, maybe you’re looking to be on campus, mingling with your peers, talking face-to-face with professors. Either way, you will need to brush up on your computer skills if they’ve gotten rusty or if, perhaps, they were never in top working order. Consider taking one or two basic computer classes so you won’t have to struggle with technology and can simply enjoy your classroom learning time.

Before you decide on pursuing higher education you’ll need to determine how much time you have to devote to your classes. Will you have the luxury of going to college full time? Will you be looking to fit in classes on a part time basis around your other obligations? Be realistic when setting your education goals.

Think it might be hard to absorb all that will be offered in your classes? Think again. Because you bring life experience with you, and a maturity that most 20-year-old college students do, you will likely have more of an appreciation for what’s being taught. Also, as an adult learner, you may be more invested in earning that degree or scoring good grades in your classes.

There is something to be said, too, for being a lifelong learner. Studies have shown that individuals who keep their minds (as well as their bodies) active may be able to slow or diminish the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. And who doesn’t appreciate a challenge? Maybe you had no desire to learn about biology or history or didn’t figure you’d ever have to write a business letter, now you have the opportunity and you embrace it.

Do some research at college campuses near you, go online and see what kind of classes are available. Determine whether you want to take a class “just for the fun of it” or whether you’re pursuing a degree and begin the process. Remember, you’re never too old to learn!

Ellen Matheson is an instuctor at a well known online college. She holds two online degrees and a PhD from a traditional university.

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