Its Never Too Late
The numbers of students over 25 are increasing dramatically. By 2017, Adult Students or "Non Traditional" Students are speculated to account for 20 percent of people studying for associate's degrees or higher, according to government research. This is solid proof that when it comes to returning to college, Age is nothing but a number.
It's never too late to go back to school and there are many role models for those of you considering your own education options.
Nola Ochs
In 2007, 95 year old Nola Ochs graduated from the Fort Hays State University in Kansas with a degree in History. Nola told CBS News "I kind of hate for this to end". A true lifelong student that would not let something like her age stand in the way of her appetite for learning and personal enrichment.
Gloria Anderson
Another Non Traditional Student proving that there's always time to attend school, regardless of age is Gloria Anderson. At 60 years old she is currently enrolled in the online Bachelor's program for Psychology at Ashford University and is eager to continue onto another degree in her life-long learning plan.
Formerly a stay at home mother, secretary and parish administrator, Anderson always dreamed of what a college experience would have been like. In her 50s, Gloria decided it was finally time and enrolled at Ashford after deciding that distance education was ther perfect solution to her lifestyle. She described it as "A perfect fit. I could continue to work, I could study at home, and I would have a degree when I was finished".
Part of her inspiration was her own grandchildren. "I hope to set a good example for them as they mature and begin planning for their future," she said proudly. "I also want to impress upon them the fact that it's never too late to achieve a goal".
Phyllis Turner
There is no greater evidence that age is no excuse for getting the education you desire than Phyllis Turner. At 94 years old she is the world's oldest recipient of a Master's Degree.
Many would expect a woman of Phyllis Turner's advanced age to spend her time knitting or baking cookies for the grandchildren but chances or more likely you will find her with her nose in a book. Her love for education brought her back to school after dropping out at the age of 12 to take care of her family after her father had abandoned them. She returned to night school after raising nine children.
At the age of 70, Phyllis enrolled and was accepted to the University of Adelaide and moved on (by scholarship) to the University of California. Her professor, Maciej Henneberg noted, "Mentally she was like any other student. You couldn't tell her thinking, enthusiasm and interests apart from somebody who was 25".
Hundreds of Adult Students are returning to school whether it's to learn new skills, or freshen up on old skills. In today's work force, more and more companies are requiring their employees to continue their educations as they climb the corporate ladder. Experience will always be in demand, but employers are finally starting to see the value or a life-long education.
Fear Factor
There is absolutely no age limit on learning, and no one is too old to learn. Old dogs yes, old students no. Some adults want to return to school but find themselves a little worried, especially those who have been away for years or even decades. Returning to school is a lot like jumping into a pool, no matter how well you prepare there is still a bit of fear involved.
Suggested Solution?
Sign up for just a single class online, sticking with the metaphor it's like dipping just a toe in to test out the water, allowing you to find out without a major commitment of time and money if online college and distance learning are for you.