The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Yesterday I met with an attorney for my disability appeal.
I told her I did not want to stay on disability the rest of my life but wanted to get my health problems straightened out as much as possible and complete my education that has been strung out over the years while raising two girls by myself.
I just don't have the proper training for a sit-down job, which is what I need with the back problems.
I'm over halfway to an associate's degree on the basic required courses.
Yesterday I found a nearby community college that offers both certification as a medical transcriptionist, and also an associate's degree in medical information technology, which would also allow me to work as a transcriptionist and yet be able to work other jobs in the medical field if I choose.
I think I should go for the certificate first and then complete the degree. I haven't completely decided yet.
I'm scared as I'm almost 50 years old now and a part of me says I'm all washed up for that sort of stuff.
I have to remember that I decided to go to tech school back in 95 when I was almost 37, and most of my classmates were 20! I was warmly received and truly enjoyed the experience.
I am glad I know now that I can walk through the fear, and there is also a big part of me excited to move on to this next stage of my life :)
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"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience." - Woodrow Wilson
tender, I am 45 and just completing my masters, may pursue a PhD and I highly recommend that you go back and get what ever you want because it feels so good to accomplish the goal of it which will make you feel good in all sorts of ways that you may not even be able to imagine at the moment. In addition, believe me, employers are eager to hire people who have some life experience under their belts and some basic common sense and people skills that so many of the 20 year olds lack. YOU have a ton of skills THEY do not have BECAUSE of your age and don't you forget it!! Go for the degree! Hugs, J.
Jean, God bless you and thank you SO much for the encouragement!
I know there are more and more 'non-traditional' students in college these days. It's extra nice to hear from someone else in my age category who's pursuing a higher education! Good luck on your master's and I think going for your PhD is very admirable (((hugs)))
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"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience." - Woodrow Wilson
I'm another one who did not complete a formal education until the age of 45. I got a B.A. when I was 44 and a teaching credential when I was 45. I'm 53 now and continuing my education. I'm working on another teaching credential.
Sometimes, I hear that there is age discrimination. But I haven't ever experienced it. I think, in part, it's attitude. If one thinks old, then most likely one acts old. Now, I'm not trying to be a spring chicken! I enjoy my age and have no problem with it!
Don't let age stop you! Some courses I attend, I could be there grandmother (almost). I don't care. I think those who are in our age bracket or older should set an example for the younger generations. I truly believe one is never too old to learn, and, yep, go for those degrees if that is one's desire.
Honestly, with the low level of people and social skills that many (not all) younger people have, we are looking better all the time- really. Also we are competent and dependable and our attention span is longer than 20 seconds. We have good common sense. There are plenty of people out there who value this, possibly more so because its in short supply. I agree with Stormy, its all in your attitude- sense of humor helps too! People love that in our hectic world! J.
I too am another nontraditional student. I completed my bachelors degree at age 47 and am now working on my PharmD. I found that when I was in pharmay school that I was not the oldest student by far.
Good luck in your pursuits!! I'm sure you will do well.
I quit school shen I was 21 and when I went back I found that I was more serious about my studies and I made much better grades then I did when I was in my 20's.
Let us know how you make out!!
Love and Blessings,
Claudia
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A person's a person no matter how small --Dr Suess