the unthinkable....college!?!

by 2pink 25 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  tjlibre

  2pink,

  I think it depends on the field that you want to get your education. There are some goods 2 year programs in accounting/finance that could help you get a good job. Many companies have tuition reimbursement programs that will pay for your school, so if you want a 4 year degree, I recommend you get a 2 year equivalent, like an associate degree on that field, get the experience, find a job that will help you then pay for the rest of the degree. Also, computer networking is a growing field that’s in demand and of course the health care field (specially if the universal insurance coverage passes through the senate).

  My 2 cents
• 

  Lady Lee

  I started college when I was 35 and had a 14 and a 10 year old to care for. This was before online courses were easily available. So I was off to school. At one point we had one in grade 6, one in high school and me in college.

  It can be done but it requires a lot of commitment and excellent scheduling
• 

  Georgiegirl

  Good for you!!! If your college has a non-traditional program (i.e. programs specifically for people NOT right out of high school), ask them about childcare, etc etc.

  As far as degrees - which is better - I think it depends on what field you want to work in. Google, for example, ONLY hires out of Ivy League colleges, BUT a friend of mine who is superhigh up at a bank (like he manages several hundred people) has an online degree from Phoenix.

  I do agree - online courses are NOT always easier and can be even MORE time-consuming - just depends on the school.

  Ten years is going to pass whether you go to school or not - so go!!! It will be tough, but there's a finite end to it.
• 

  llbh

  I did my degree at evening classes over five years, one child age 8 when i began then two were born during the course of my degree- i was very busy!! I even used to take the children with me occasionally when my wife was at meetings.

  It is very hard work and tiring, but it is so worth it. I worked during the day and studied at night. I found that it helped my self esteem no end.

  Why not both do it for mutual support?

  Warmest regards David.
• 

  daniel-p

  do employers view online degrees as lesser than ones earned at a university on site? i just keep wondering if, after i go thru all the effort of getting the degree, i will have a harder time getting hired than someone who went to classes in person...? any thoughts on this?

  I personally would not waste my time with online programs. Not only are they considered faux-degrees, they are expensive. There are some situations where these kind of degrees can suit you just fine... such as when you work for a large corporation and they have arbitrary requirements for promotions. It's then that it's just a "piece of paper." A friend of mine is getting his BA from Pheonix because the bank he works for will consider him for a promotions once he has his degree. However, if it's LEARNING you want, and a real degree that actually means something, then skip these profit-making degree-granting businesses.

  Definitely look into junior/community colleges. I cannot say enough good things about them. Out here in CA at least, there is a BOGG fee waiver that waives tuition fees if you sign a form declaring income below a certain level. Even if you have to pay tuition, its very reasonable. Community college is the way to start out... you'll be among a lot of fellow "returners," with similar challenges you face. Also, many classes offered will be night or weekend classes for working adults.

  What you need to do is go see an academic counselor at your local community college. Explain to them your goals, plans, and they'll tell you what you need to do to get there.

  You'll be surprised just how many parents with children are doing the exact same thing you're thinking of doing. My wife is in a nursing program, and there are a ton of people with kids, and with their spouse working while they are in school. My wife and I did the same thing, except without kids. But we have one on the way, and I will likely continue my education for a doctorate.

  When people think of college they often think of 18-22 year olds living in dorms, and without a care in the world. Well, they certainly do exist, but there is a whole other world of people pursuing higher education apart from that rather narrow stereotype.

  So look into COMMUNITY COLLEGES!
• 

  Heartbreaker

  2Pink, I think you should do it. I bet I'm older than you, and I know I have no children to juggle than you do, and I am almost positive I'm going back and doing it. I have to, our family will sink without it. Having said that, I'm excited about the prospect.

  Do you have a specific field of interest?

  Lets do it together! I'm sending you a PM
• 

  MarkSutter

  I would do it. I'm over fifty and going for it. It's something I should have done when I was young. I'm trying to convince my son who was raised a witness to do it also but its so ingrained that he doesn't need one to survive in this world that he thinks all will be rosy. I found out late in life that you can't go without a degree, especially if you want to get paid decent wages.

  There are plenty of public universities, with cheaper tuition fees, in all states. Many times they offer online classes through the normal degree programs. Online courses are becoming more popular and universities don't have a choice to follow suit. Many times I discuss with the professor to see if he requires attendance. This semester I have two online classes, and the two other are regular classes (they have streaming video of the class material) so I have arranged with the professors to only show up for the tests. Not all will agree to this, depending on the material, but I've found most professors willing to work on the issue.

  Good luck, make the decision, you won't regret it later, trust me.
• 

  thomas15

  2pink,

  When our youngest was born, my wife returned to college (she had a few undergrad degrees already) to get her teaching degree. It took four years taking 1 or 2 classes at a time as she was a stay at home mom (by choice). When our daughter started school, she took 2 classes per semester and graduated when Isabelle was in 1st grade.

  It took a year to get a good teaching job. She was asked if she wanted to become a reading specialist with a program called "reading recovery" which is a year long course. After completing that, Sue started working on her Masters Degree which she got last Spring, 10 years after getting her B.A. in Elementary Ed. Masters degree at age 52.

  I believe that older students are more dedicated to the cause. When I was in college during my youth, I knew a lady who was in a few of my classes who was in her 80s. This was very inspirational! Now that my spouse has her Masters, I'm next and trying to decide the course of action, I'm leaning in the direction of something in the medical field.

  I think we should always be in the process of working towards some kind of academic goal. It is not easy but it is worth it.

  Tom
• 

  creativhoney

  I left school with no GCSEs. when I was 27 I did a HND as a mature applicant, I topped up to a degree and graduated with a BSC in Multimedia Computing in 2004 when I was 30. I did my PGCE (Teachers Certificate in 2006) - I was already lecturing at the college since 2002 - mature students are good, they oftel let you teach, - and now in 09 I am back at Uni to change my teaching qual from a Post 16 PGCE to a 11-16 one in IT instead of graphics and Multimedia.

  so yes of course you can do it. as long as you want to.
• 

  White Dove

  My online courses are an option offered by my fully accredited college. I will graduate soon with a Master of Science in Administration of Justice. It will be a real degree bestowed upon me by a real college that offers various ways to get real degrees. This is no degree mill. It is a university. I work my ass off for my education and feel that I will have truly earned my degree. There are degree mills out there, so watch out. Make sure the college you go to is fully accredited. Phoenix is a go to class or online college, depending on the students' needs and is fully accredited.