Those Old Students

Being a college student, I see a lot of different types of people. The students at my university are from different walks of life. They have different cultures, different backgrounds, and a lot of us are different ages. One of the strangest things to me when I began college, was having an old guy in my class. In reality, there are almost as many adult students on campus as there are younger students.

One adult student that sticks out to me the most is an older guy who I walk past every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. He sits at the same table with the same diligent look on his face, as he scrambles through his papers that he has spread out all over the place.

I used to think adult students were crazy for coming back to school, but in reality, most of them don't come back by choice. I'm sure some might, if they're bored enough and have the money. 

Have you ever taken the time to think of reasons why these adults who have had careers, families, and major life experiences, come back to college?

Perhaps, this man I see has had the same successful career for over a decade. A new supervisor has just been hired; young and in charge. The new supervisor may decide that a higher degree is required for the position this man holds. No longer is this man viewed as doing his job well but he is now looked at by what degree he holds.

Here he is, in his mid fifties I'd say, stressing over exams and research papers. He hasn't been a student in over 30 years and times sure have changed. He doesn't only have to learn about the everyday assignments in class but he has to relearn how to be a student. 

He probably questions himself daily if going back to school is worth it. I'm sure he easily qualifies for many other jobs. But he has situated himself in a career! A career where his co-workers are now friends and his daily tasks are his passion. So, re-struggling through college to save a career that he has already earned, is worth it to him. 

For some younger students, I understand when those old people are in class and they ask a million questions, that it could get annoying. Try to put yourself in their shoes. It must be uncomfortable to be in a room with people half your age and still feel less intelligent than them. As a grown adult, they are back in a situation that scares them to death...

This man that I see, studying his heart out, is probably doing it for more than just himself. Saving his career would mean continuing to provide for his family. It's not just him studying, it's his wife, his kids, his grand kids, and let's throw his pets in there too. 


But, then again, he could just be bored and need something to do...




 --Stevie