First class as a "Mature Student"

I am 27, 28 on Friday, and have tried university twice. I was unsuccessful, but managed a significant number of courses the second go. I ultimately withdrew due to a serious, life-threatening, depression. I've decided to go back and pursue a career in nursing. Since I didn't get in this year, didn't get my documents in early enough, I am taking some of the anatomy, physiology, and microbiology courses during the fall and winter term.

I had my first class last night. It was easier, in some ways, than I remember. Going to classes without being depressed probably helped significantly. I found it easier to discern what material was more essential than others, based on what the prof said. And realized what notes were important to take, and which weren't.

I do have access to the PowerPoint slides and intend to take notes from them, and the text, before I come to class so I don't have to come home and produce notes from what I didn't have time to jot down everything. I did get what will be on the exam though, now I just have to find it in the PowerPoint and text.

I have another class tomorrow and don't have access to the PowerPoint yet, but will check again when I get back from work tomorrow, but in any case, I can and will make notes from the first chapter. I confirmed with the prof that would the chapter covered. I am glad that I'm ready for these classes. I was anxious, excited, but still very anxious.

It sounds like you had a great first day!

Glad to hear you have a good day! As a former college prof, I can tell you that we tend to like "mature" students, since they seem to take classes more seriously. The oldest student I ever had was in her mid sixties, and she was working on her bachelor's degree. I'm talking about in the early 1980's, when there weren't all these on-line classes and courses aimed toward older students.

I went to a mostly online university where everyone was working adults and that was marvelous; you didn't have a lot of the small rules necessary for minors and expectations of being "given" the info (instead of reaching out on one's own and taking it) because everyone was focused on learning and on themselves and their own lives and plans.

Today my anxieties are taking over RE: my past failure. I've go to get up after I finish the online game I am playing and do the work. I really hate this anxiety. I am going to make myself work despite it, so that I know that I can.

You make me feel hopeful about my own academic future. I'm also 28. During university I fell into a severe depression. I managed to finish, but did not go on to grad school like I planned. I graduated 5 years ago, and have been battling depression since then. I'm doing a lot better now, and I'm trying to get the courage to just apply. You can do it. And like others have posted, you have the advantage of being older and knowing what you want to do. You don't have to deal with the confusion that comes with being 19 or 20 and you can just focus on what you need to do. Do you go to therapy? Maybe they can help you on techniques to help you when you feel your anxiety start to flare up.
All the best, Tigerlily

congratulations tigerlily. you may want to check into registering with the disabilities office at school, even if you dont use the advantages it has to offer. i was in my 40's getting my degree and had a complete breakdown in the process but still managed to maintain my 4.0. my dean made me register with disabilities and my T didnt know what to put because i was a good student so we just put that i wouldnt get docked if i needed to leave in the middle of class because i was overwhelmed due to subject material and that i was to be given additional time to complete assignments. well i did end up using that at midterms when i had three term papers due on one day. i knew i could get them done but the perfectionist in me didnt feel the quality would be up to par so requested the weekend to complete one of them. the anxiety was too much to deal with making it hard to do all three at once to my standards. so having the extra time factor really helped.

check into it. its worth it.

I am registered with the disabilities services. I learned the necessity of it myself. I get extended time on exams in a isolated setting. I get PowerPoint and instructor notes. And if I do "breakdown," I am sure I would have help getting deferrals, though I hope that is never needed. I will work with an academic strategist to relearn the study and note-taking skills I forget and the ones I never had. Going to the school counseling office sounds good. I don't want to let this anxiety get the best of me. By the way, I did print off the PowerPoint slides and the chapter objective. I also found out where we got to last class. I will start again after my break.