what s possible? return to learning as an adult student

what s possible? return to learning as an adult student www.educationplanner.ca

learning for life Do you dream of graduating from college or university? Maybe you started post-secondary when you were first out of high school but quit because you couldn t figure out what courses to take. Or maybe you ve been raising a family and now that your children are older you want additional education. The list goes on to include people who need retraining, individuals who are bored at work or who want better career opportunities, and even adults who now have time to take classes just out of interest.

College or university can work at any age. The thought of sitting in a classroom full of 19-year-olds might be terrifying. You may think you are too old to learn and won t fit in. You worry that you re not good with computers or won t be able to afford university. Another common concern is that now that you are older, going back to school will involve more than just taking classes and doing homework. As an adult learner, or mature student, you have extra responsibilities. Is it really possible to succeed? Regardless of your age, fear is common when you are starting something new, and post-secondary is a new experience for everyone at some point. You will not be alone. BC colleges and universities welcome adult learners and provide all kinds of support. This booklet is about easing the anxiety of adult learners and busting the myths about going back to school as a mature student. As you begin to understand the system, you will gain the confidence to keep moving forward. Sure you might be anxious at first, but be willing to ask questions and soon you will be on your way.

a year from now you may wish you had started today Karen Lamb

myth busters 1I m too old to learn You are never My own experience supports this. At forty, I took my too old to learn. In fact, being a mature student has benefits. The wisdom gained from life experience is something that younger students don t have, and it can be a significant asset as you learn something new. first university course in more than 15 years. The class was mostly young students who, along with me, needed to learn the technical skills that were being taught. However, it quickly became obvious that previous work experience and an understanding of real-world expectations gave me a huge advantage. Linda, 47 years old 4th year, Bachelor of General Studies

For most adults who want to upgrade their learning, it has been a while since they have been in a classroom. Just because you haven t been sitting behind a desk, doesn t mean you have stopped learning. Your brain is working all the time as you learn new skills in many things that you do. Living is learning, and life often teaches us many things that a classroom never could Those of us who have been away from education for quite a while often do not give ourselves enough credit for what we already know and our ability to take on new challenges. You might be concerned that your study skills are rusty, or you haven t written an essay or taken an exam in years. All BC universities offer learner support such as educational advising, career counselling, study skills workshops, writing centers, library tours, and math upgrading. Just ask! Living is learning. Life teaches things a classroom never could.

2 I won t fit in Not everyone starts university right out of high school. Whether it s been 12 months or 12 years since you were last in a classroom, you might be surprised at the number of older students taking post-secondary courses and how irrelevant age becomes once you get started. Many BC postsecondary institutions also have adult student groups or social clubs. Be sure to ask! One key to fitting in is to remember that everyone, regardless of age, is nervous when they first start university. By talking to other students I realized that we shared a common goal: to make our lives better through further education. Brian, 31 years old 3rd year, Bachelor of Computer Information Systems

Learning to use a computer is too hard Learning anything new is challenging at the start, but it can be done if you are committed and patient. A mentor of mine often said, It s only hard until you know how. This has been true for me, and I am often surprised at how simple something seems once you have mastered it. Christine, 38 years old 2rd year, Bachelor of Fine Arts Many adult students returning to learning did not grow up using a computer or learning software programs in school. However, before starting post-secondary classes, you should consider learning how to use a computer. Most instructors will expect you to complete assignments using computer software programs and search for information on the Internet. 3 It is only hard until you know how.

If you haven t embraced this technology yet, make it a priority right away. Most colleges and universities offer computer courses for beginners, often through evening and weekend continuing education classes. Friends, family, and even your children may be able to help you with specific questions. Many computer programs today are user-friendly meaning that they are often easy to figure out without extra assistance. Above all, don t be discouraged. At one time you had to learn everything you know how to do today.

I won t be able to keep up Going back into education is a big step, and not knowing what to expect can be intimidating. The good news is, you don t have to jump into classes full time. Try one evening class or audit a course you find interesting. This will give you a feel for how things run and what s expected of you. You ll also improve your study habits and writing skills. (When you audit a class, it means you register for and attend the class but are not required to do assignments or write exams. You pay regular tuition fees, but you will not receive a grade or credit for the course.) 4 Instructors want you to succeed and will provide help during or after class. Most instructors have scheduled office hours where they can meet with you privately. Other students can help too. In challenging classes, many students form their own study groups. In addition, most universities have math and writing centers, study skills workshops, and student-led supported learning groups. Be sure to ask. There is always help for you somewhere.

I ll hate it If your last school memory is an unhappy high school experience, don t worry. College and university are nothing like high school. Most post-secondary students are there because they want to be, and they are taking classes that they are interested in. In post-secondary, you decide where you go and how you want to get there. Most adults returning to learning find that they do well because they are in control and are motivated by achieving goals they ve set for their future. When I attended university, I did better than in high school because I did not need to excel in so many different areas. For the most part, I got to study what I was good at. Cameron 26 years old completed 2-year Professional Photo Imaging Diploma 5

6I ll fail Yes, you are taking a risk by going back to school. However, it s been shown that once adult students settle into post-secondary, they do at least as well as other students, and often, even better! If you are having a difficult time in a class and are concerned you may need more preparation to complete the course successfully, post-secondary allows you to withdraw from a class without a negative effect on your student record. The last day to withdraw without a W on your transcript is often several weeks into the semester, and the institution s admissions and records department can tell you exactly when that date is. Depending on when you withdraw, you may even get some of your course fees refunded. Many students of all ages are afraid of failing a class; however, it is not the end of the world if you don t pass a course. You can repeat a class if you want. Or you may realize you don t enjoy a particular subject as much as you thought you would and decide to change direction or program. Sometimes you have to try something before you can tell if it is for you or not. There is no harm in trying a couple of different courses. Academic advisors and career counsellors are on campus to help you sort this out. You will not know until you try.

I could never afford it For adult learners, going back to school involves more than just taking classes and doing homework. It often includes paying a mortgage and supporting a family. A university education is a major investment, and coping financially is hard for many students, regardless of age. The good news is colleges and universities offer financial aid, student loans, and specific awards and bursaries for adult learners. Every post-secondary institution has a financial aid office where you can learn what funding is available. Banks also offer special lending programs for students, and as an adult with an established credit history, you may be more likely to get approved. If you are a part-time student, keeping a job while you are in school may be an option. Often family and friends can support you by helping with childcare. Be realistic, but don t let money worries automatically put you off. Stay open to all ideas and suggestions that will make your desire for education a reality. For detailed financial information, see Education Planner s resource: How Will I Pay for It?: Understand budgets and financing. 7

8 I won t be able to manage family and school Do you feel selfish when you think about going back to school? Are you concerned that it will be difficult to care for your family while you are a student? These thoughts are common for adults who decide to upgrade their skills, and there is no doubt that returning to learning will affect everyone in your family. Adjustments and sacrifices will need to be made, and it will take some getting used to. But you are going back to school to make things better for everyone, and most families find that it is worth it.

Returning to school showed my children that I valued education & life-long learning. If you look after your house and children, you will need support once you become a student. It is a mistake to think that you can do everything, so have a plan in place before you begin. Start by meeting with your family to discuss how things will change, and divide up household chores. By sharing responsibility your children will become more independent, appreciate you in new ways, and feel good about sharing in your success. My own decision to return to school showed my children that I valued education and life-long learning. Circumstances change and adults don t always know what they want to do when they grow up. Becoming a student again at forty made it OK for my kids to try different classes and take risks in their own post-secondary education. Linda, 47 years old 4th year, Bachelor of General Studies

I don t have time Now, more than ever, if you truly want to go back to school, there is a way to make it happen. Most post-secondary schools welcome adult learners and provide flexible learning options: part-time studying, evening and weekend classes, distance learning, online courses, one-year certificates and twoyear diplomas, and workplace learning recognition. Since a degree usually takes four years of full-time study, attending classes part time means it will take longer. Many adults choose this option because it allows them to keep their jobs while they are at school. Some colleges and universities may also offer a one-year certificate, two-year diploma, or four-year degree in the same field. Education Planner can help explore what options are available to you. Once you have an idea you can make an appointment with an educational advisor or career counselor. You are not expected to completely understand the system when you start, so ask questions. 9

I ll be too old to get a job If you re an older adult, you may be concerned that you ll be too old to get a job by the time you are finished your education. But the opposite is actually true! New skills combined with life experience make older workers great candidates for hiring. The Benefits of Hiring Older Workers is an article that was recently posted on a Government of Canada business web site encouraging companies to hire mature staff. Research shows that older workers and seniors are hard workers who respect authority, work well in a team, and don t need close supervision. The article also says that mature staff bring service with experience that increases customer satisfaction. 10 Skills & experience make older workers g r e a t candidates for hiring.

Some mature students are taking classes for pleasure. They are studying topics they were not able to take when they were younger. Even seniors are attending courses. One BC university recently told a story about an 85-year-old woman who, after six years of studying at their university completed her Bachelor degree. Her reason for returning to school was simple: because she loved the experience. Some colleges and universities also offer tuition discounts or waivers for seniors.

what does that mean? When you first start researching post-secondary education, the terminology alone can feel overwhelming. What are credits? How long does it take to get a certificate, diploma, or degree? What is an application vs. registration? This is where Education Planner can help!

new beginnings If you know you want to further your education, but you re not sure what you want to learn, start by researching careers or programs that interest you. Many people begin asking questions a year before they plan to start. Talk to friends who have returned to learning. Read about the programs offered at different colleges and universities to see what interests you most. Knowing what you want becomes easier as you get older. You have a better idea of who you are, what your strengths are, and what you really enjoy doing. All BC colleges and universities have Student Services that offer appointments with career counsellors and educational advisors. Bring your list of questions, and don t be embarrassed to ask them. You are not expected to know everything. It is their job to help you.

what s next? To get started, follow this checklist: Research institutions and programs you are interested in. Check the institutional admission requirements. (i.e. English Language requirement, citizenship, high school graduation status) Check courses you may need to get into a specific program. (i.e pre-requisites) Check application deadlines. Visit the campus you are interested in attending. Confirm your program plan with an education advisor at the institution. Complete an application. Gather the documents needed for admission. (i.e. an official transcript from high school or another post-secondary institution where you studied) Submit your application. You can do this online or paper copy. Pay the application fee. Ensure you receive a letter of acceptance from the institution. Read closely all information sent from the institution. Ask questions if you do not understand something. Watch for information from the institution about course selection and registration. Check the institution timetable to choose your courses. Find your registration time. Once you have been accepted, you will be given a specific date to register for your classes. (Please note: applying to an institution does not register you in specific courses.) Learn to use the institution s student portal website. This is where you will receive information about your register time, email, and contact with faculty. You will also register online. Register for your courses and pay the registration fee. Pay your remaining course fees by the due date.

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