Quote:
Originally Posted by Perna
I went back when I was in my 50's! But I mostly took online, Open U. courses (here in the United States) and through a university that mostly had older students. That's what I would try if I were you; see if that university had some online courses to take one or two and see if that is what you want to be doing (and you could still look for jobs as you could do your school work whenever) and that way you would not have to worry about the age of the other students or if anyone thought you were stalking your acquaintance, etc. http://www.open.edu.au/public/home : |
[quote=Perna;2352752]
((((((Mindinpieces)))))
Besides saying ditto to everyone else, I would also like to 2nd what Perna is saying here. Why not just start with 1 or 2 courses and begin as a part-time student to gradually get into the routine? It REALLY IS okay to take your time in college/university to do the courses well, especially if you are starting at one level as prerequisites to a possible next level (e.g. – you are interested in psychology, you do Intro to Psychology, you get a good grade, you can be allowed to take upper level courses in more specialized areas of Psychology like mental health/development/abnormal/environmental/social etc…). Going to school partime, does mean you can fit in work at the same time – especially to pay for school. 
I am 26 years old and just starting University, after taking A LONG TIME to complete a college diploma and certificate. I do relate to the worry of looking at yourself VS looking at “everyone else who went to university right after highschool (O levels in the UK?)". I do have peers/former classmates who just got into Law School or Med School or just finished their Master’s and now continuing graduate studies abroad and on and on and on, which does make me wanto 
But then you step onto the campus - and realize that there are a wide variety of students with their own stories too. We really can’t make assumptions on how each one got there.
Check out STUDENT SERVICES and COUNSELLING AND DISABILITY SERVICES on the campus. You can be honest and tell them what you are concerned/interested in as a prospective student. They should be able to help/redirect you provide additional support in applying, starting, continuing, and studying further. This support can exist alongside T and Pdoc and your family/friends that can be on your side 
. Plus, while the fear can be intense, I also agree with Morghana in that it also can be more satisfying focusing more on what YOU want out of YOUR education and learning, rather than following a set curriculum. I do believe there are more choices in higher education; and that you are still young with a lot possibility ahead of you. So why not
?
Hope all of this feedback helps. At the very least, know that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed with all of the aspects of starting, continuing, finishing, next steps(after??) college/university. There are still many days where i am
too
. Just start with one step at a time....