Adult College Students - Take a Bow!

by zenpunk 20 Replies latest jw friends

  • zenpunk
    zenpunk

    I notice that there are many of us here who were discouraged from going to college/university in our younger years, courtesy of the Watchtower Society. I would just like to say "congrats" to those who, in spite of the indoctrination and the fact that they've had to attend college later while holding down jobs and paying their own way, have attended college and received degrees!

    When I left high school I went right into pioneering as college was not an option in the witness world. Boy was I shocked when, two years later a prominant elder sent his girls to university - paid tuition and all! Then, the year after that, the JW policy changed. I was quite angry about it all, since going to college was my dream and I had turned down so many scholarships. But, once I left the organization, the first decision I made was to go to college. I had to work full-time and every dime for tuition came out of my pocket. I'm now a senior at a private college with a 4.0 and 8 credits to go and, though I sometimes regret the fact that I'm the only adult among these 21 year olds, I'm glad I've almost made it....in spite of the past.

    Please share your stories - take a bow! You all deserve it!

  • DanTheMan
    DanTheMan

    congratulations zenpunk!

    I'm 31 and just bought a house (what a nice double-whammy of stress in the past 6 months - leaving the borg and buying a house) - I guess I'm too focused on the obstacles that I see preventing me from getting an education. I love math, have always been very good at it. I would like to go to college for it and maybe teach it at the HS level. I think that would be cool. HS kids can burn you out though.

  • jst_me
    jst_me

    I graduated last year with my BS in Information Studies, I also have an AS in Electronic Engineering Tech. I am 35, and a single mom and I did it all by myself since I am quite the shunned one

    and I had a 3.7! And, I won the humanitarian of the year award at my university.

    Since I got laid off, I am looking at MBA programs.

  • zenpunk
    zenpunk

    You deserve an extra bit cheer jst_me! Those are hard degree programs and, being a single mom too!

  • COMF
    COMF

    I started at age 37, as a single parent of two teenage sons. Worked fulltime at a grocery store doing stocking, sacking, checking, whatever... at a subsistence wage, because that was the only job I could find that let me attend daytime classes. Qualified for a Pell Grant and won a couple of scholarships along the way. Graduated summa cum laude with the "Most Outstanding Male Student" award.

    Unfortunately, a drinking habit began to rage way out of control about that time, and plans to further my education beyond that point were derailed. Some time in rehab helped me get my head on straight, and H2O and, later, this forum, helped me see the true picture. Now everything is great, and every time I start thinking things can't get any better for me, something happens that makes them even better. I doubt that many Christians have ever known the kind of "blessings" I'm experiencing these days.

  • teenyuck
    teenyuck

    Dan, you are never too young to try. There are sooo many stories of elderly people going to college.

    If you are good at math, you have something so many don't. (I did not and was able to graduate)

    Your whole life is in front of you, just a big empty canvas. You can fill it in anyway you want. No more worrying about offending someone at the KH with your dreams. And, there is money out there to help you. It just take some looking.

    PS...if I can graduate, anyone can!

  • DINKY
    DINKY

    I'm 37 and just completed my first year at the local community college with a 4.0. I plan on transferring to the University of Texas to get a degree in English or journalism. BTW, my years of bible scrutiny have been very valuable in analyzing literature - I occasionally plagiarize out of the "Insight" book!

    Dinky

  • Valis
    Valis

    I'm probably the youngster in this discussion, but the tables turn occassionaly. As a community college instructor I will say that some of my best students are older and some of my worst are as well. I commend all of you for enriching yourselves. I have seen so many older people get a lot of joy out of accomplishing success in courses, as well as finding employment. They also tend to attend more often and take better notes. I have no doubt all of you will find much satisfaction in underlining answers in a real textbook instead of the Watchtower & Awake. Please do email me if I can ever be of assistance or write letters of recommendation..

    Sincerely,

    District Overbeer

  • terafera
    terafera

    Your stories have all been very encouraging to me. I went to college a few years ago and am going to go back in Sept. I love teaching kids and am considering even getting a degree in another field. It is a little intimidating to go back..but I am really looking forward to it.

    Valis,

    I have no doubt all of you will find much satisfaction in underlining answers in a real textbook instead of the Watchtower & Awake
    You dont know how true that is!! I am excited to learn new things...to test the boundaries...to learn something new and enrich my life. Thank you for offering letters of recommendations.. I couldve used you a few days ago! I am in the process of applying for financial aid.

  • Valis
    Valis

    I post this all the dam time,, but please don't forget to check out www.fastweb.com for scholarship opportunities.

    Sincerely,

    District Overbeer

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