[BubonicPlague]

I just see so many college students and how young they are starting as soon as they're out of high school. It makes me feel embarrassed that at 22 I figured out that I want to be a Radiology Tech then continue school to become a Diagnostic Neuro Radiologist. I'm applying for spring semester next year soon. But it makes me feel ashamed for starting late. Maybe it has to do with my mom bringing down so much shame on me as a kid. It literally took me 4 years of recovery from my abusive parents to even get to making a decision to want to do College. Everyone was putting pressure on me to do it back then, but I just felt like I wasn't ready. Now my family doesn't believe in me that I can do it, and they don't even support it. However, I'm not going to let them drag me down just because I'm the scapegoat and black sheep of the family, and neither my mom or my adoptive father have ever gone to college. So perhaps they're projecting their own shame onto me?

[divine1966]

How is 22 too old???? I saw your title and thought you might be 80 or something. My husband always wanted to be a nurse so he finally went to nursing school in his 40s. Nothing is too late. 22 is a baby.

[nicoleflynn]

I started school at 60! Age is irrelevant! Don't allow others to make decisions for your life.

Hello BubonicPlague. Congratulations on finding the right path and timing for yourself.!!! 22 is certainly *not too old to begin this career path. You sound like you may be struggling with low self-esteem. I think it could be really valuable to begin addressing that. College will take determination and confidence in yourself. You'll want to be telling yourself good things and believe in your abilities. If you are not planning more therapy, there are lots of great books and articles out there on strategies to improve self-esteem. Not only will that will useful in uni, but every other aspect of your life. Are you able to create more distance from your family? They should encourage you rather than judging or shaming you. That's not okay and you don't deserve to be treated that way.

Your profile name is sad...I wonder what effect that has on your self-esteem by labeling yourself that way....or perhaps I misunderstood and it's a joke?

I wish you peace, hope, and a bright future. Do something nice for yourself today, just because.

[WishfulThinker66]

How on earth do you figure 22 is old?!!!!!!!

Regardless, go for it. If this is your passion then follow it. My daughter returned to University as a mature student at 32 this past fall and she did very well. She had a far better experience this time around as she did the first time she went making a rather successful year of it. The reasons? Certainly age and maturity have a great deal to do with it. This time around she also has a plan, and knows what the goal is.

You have many many many years left to follow your dream. Take your time, be responsible, and that dream will be within your grasp.

please....better you should start at 22 knowing exactly what you want then at 18 and not have a clue. go for it. now you are older, mature and know what field interests you. you are better prepared to excel in your studies!

good luck!

[saidso]

No you are not too old, and it's a good profession to get into. You will deal with patients far better now that you have at least some life experience.