[LorrieTorrie]

My first manic episode happened during my second semester of college. From there things declined pretty quickly. That was about ten years ago. I was diagnosed as bipolar in October, and since then I've been battling with whether or not I should even accept the diagnosis. I have officially accepted the diagnosis now, and I am getting started once again on medication and I intend to stay that way. Since my first episode I've gotten married, and have had children, but I still want a college experience. I know living in a dorm is absolutely NOT a possibility, but I was wondering if it would be silly for me to still want to go to a University, and maybe join a sorority and what not. It's something I've always wanted to do and I feel like I was cheated out of it.

[wiretwister]

I tried going back years later to finish ... it was a lot harder than I thought it would be and I quit ... but then I never was a good student ... hopefully you will fare better ... if you want it bad enough I have every faith you will succeed .... good luck ...

[Keegan2015]

Why limit yourself? If going back to school is something you want to do and something that is important to you then you should pursue it. Do you have a specific goal in mind? What kind of degree are you looking for? Will it help you progress in a particular field/career path?

[gina_re]

You can do anything you want to do. I left school after my freshman year back in 2001. I started and stopped at community college and online schools. After a bunch of chaos in my life, I finally made the decision to go back because I was stable on medication. I graduated in December of 2012 by a combination of online classes and on campus classes. As long as you're committed to it, it is absolutely possible. Stability on your meds is important though because it can get stressful at times.

[DesigningWoman]

Absolutely you can go back to college to continue your education. I went back. Don't worry about age on campus. There are plenty of people of all ages taking classes.
As for social aspect, I completely understand that too. I would say that most social college sororities are pretty expensive. If you got a bid to a sorority you would be expected to commit a great deal of time to them day and night. I have known one returning student, who joined a frat. While he really enjoyed, his wife was unhappy that he was away from home and their children so much and spending a great deal of money on an activity that was only for him. It's just you will be dealing with girls younger than you who don't have your life experience or responsibilities. They may not understand your circumstances. It will be foreign to them.
My advice was before committing to going through Greek Rush is to see what clubs and activities your Uni offers free. Pretty much every Uni offers a club day at the beginning of fall and summer semesters. There you can see all your many possibilities and meet the members. Even small colleges offer at lot of exciting opportunities to try new things from sea kayaking to political activism. Many of these groups have social components.
I found a wonderful, supportive group of undergrads to hang with at the ripe age of 36. They are a support group for LGBT students. I love socializing with them. I am surprised how much I have in common with them.
There can be a misconception that all the social life on a campus runs through Greek life.

(I am careful about how I socialize with undergrads. Sometimes I am the only one over 21 years old, which could have very serious legal repercussions were anything illegal to take place or results.)

[LorrieTorrie]

Thanks everyone for your input! I've never been to a University (my only college experience is with community colleges or online colleges) so I was under the impression that Greek life was the major form of socialization. Clubs would definitely work better for me since I have a family. I remember at my community college I joined Film club and it wasn't too time consuming at all. I want to teach either Drama or Literature for either Junior High or High School. I haven't decided which yet, and they would require different credentials. I also toy with maybe teaching those subjects some day down the road at a University. I'm hoping maybe I'll be stable enough to start in the fall with a part-time schedule.

[DesigningWoman]

I was glad to input. I am getting my master's in elementary Ed. Definitely PM if you ever want to talk, school or teaching. I did my beginning student teaching for grad school in sixth grade. I tip my hat to those who are called to higher grades. I loved the kids though. One of reasons I want lower grades is that connection between teacher and student there. Students spend all day, every school day with a single teacher in elementary here. I guess there is a bit of a fill in Mommy in me.
Best of luck with your future.

[LorrieTorrie]

Originally Posted by DesigningWoman

I was glad to input. I am getting my master's in elementary Ed. Definitely PM if you ever want to talk, school or teaching. I did my beginning student teaching for grad school in sixth grade. I tip my hat to those who are called to higher grades. I loved the kids though. One of reasons I want lower grades is that connection between teacher and student there. Students spend all day, every school day with a single teacher in elementary here. I guess there is a bit of a fill in Mommy in me.
Best of luck with your future.

Thank you! Same to you! 😊 I know what you mean about the connection. I originally wanted to teach lower grades for that reason, but my heart is in Drama and English Literature which are usually reserved for the upper grades at the scale I'd like to teach it at.

[jacky8807]

i want a do over!!
i wonder if 14 is too far to go back?
go for it!!

[scatterbrained04]

I want a do-over!! I'd do so many things different if I could do ages 15-25 over. But now I'm in my 30s and have to deal. I get what you mean about college. I didn't really do that either. I did get an associate of arts degree from a community college, while working and raising a child.

[BastetsMuse]

Originally Posted by LorrieTorrie

My first manic episode happened during my second semester of college. From there things declined pretty quickly. That was about ten years ago. I was diagnosed as bipolar in October, and since then I've been battling with whether or not I should even accept the diagnosis. I have officially accepted the diagnosis now, and I am getting started once again on medication and I intend to stay that way. Since my first episode I've gotten married, and have had children, but I still want a college experience. I know living in a dorm is absolutely NOT a possibility, but I was wondering if it would be silly for me to still want to go to a University, and maybe join a sorority and what not. It's something I've always wanted to do and I feel like I was cheated out of it.

It's not silly to want a "do-over." After I was stabilized on bipolar medications, I got my Masters Degree. So you CAN do it. See?

[DesigningWoman]

BastetsMuse,
It's awesome to have another Master's graduate here. I have been meaning to say that I love your handle. I have history BA from undergrad. Middle eastern history was my fav class ever. They included Egypt in there.

[LorrieTorrie]

I'm starting to feel like I can actually finish college. I started almost ten years ago. I'm pretty sure a lot has changed since then, but I'm excited to actually be doing it. How long after getting on the meds until you were ready? I was initially hoping to be ready by this Fall, but my husband thinks I should probably wait until next Spring or so. Im already feeling much better, and we increased the dose yesterday.

[DesigningWoman]

After my first hospitalization at 19, I had about four months off. I took one class I was really interested in the next semester and chugged along after that. It was frustrating at times. But I did it.

This time I had about five weeks. I was between semesters. I thought I might like to withdraw but it wasn't feasible because my Uni job is directly tied to me attending grad school. Honestly I am really glad I didn't withdraw. I need routine and a reason to get out of bed. I like to be busy.

I definitely recommend trying to start with at least one thing you are really into. It helps make the transition into school and keeps you motivated and going to class.

Also keep listening when other students talk about profs. Don't worry as much about the gripes as the ones they love and why they love them. Listen for excitement and interesting assignments you would enjoy doing. A good prof is definitely worth checking out, even if it's at a funny time or a class that the written description doesn't set your world on fire. The right prof can make anything fascinating.

[DesigningWoman]

I responded really well to the lithium in December. Thankfully.

[newtothis31]

I think that it's great you want to go back to college! Going back with kiddos isn't the easiest- so just make sure you have a strong support system in place. As far as fraternities/sororities- there's a variety to choose from. Alpha Phi Omega is a community service fraternity that has both men & women. Others are honors societies. So it's really what you make of it.

[BiPoloar2112]

Originally Posted by DesigningWoman

I definitely recommend trying to start with at least one thing you are really into. It helps make the transition into school and keeps you motivated and going to class.

DesigningWoman,
This is great advice for people who want to return to school.

Additionally Lorrie I know from my own experiences returning to school that there are a plethora of Non-Traditional students who are returning to education after years of being away from it.

Lorrie, I am willing to bet that because you are more mature you will take school more seriously than your younger counterparts and will do amazingly!
Best of luck.
Drew

[LorrieTorrie]

You guys are all making me super excited to go back. Once I feel I'm stable enough I'm going to talk to my therapist about a plan of action. Maybe for starters I'll just go part-time. I know it'll take longer, but it might be the best way to ease back into things.