Trials and triumphs of a middle aged student

The most difficult part of starting college after being out of school for many years is not the admission process, not the financial aid paperwork, not the entrance exams, it is finding the confidence in oneself to believe you can learn and grow in the academic world.  It is so very difficult when you are doing relatively well in your life to put yourself into a position where you feel vulnerable to failure.  When I finally found the courage to pursue my adult college degree I did so by attending online classes for adults where I thought I would be protected and could hide my inadequacies from my fellow classmates.  After my first semester of adult college classes I found my confidence and was able to really put myself out there and start attending live evening college courses.  I have not stopped since I started three years ago.  I not only found my confidence, I found a true love of learning and applying this knowledge in everything I do.

My success, my enjoyment and my overall academic experience has now tweaked the confidence in those around me to also pursue their adult education diplomas.  My own 22 year old daughter is now talking about beginning classes to attain her degree.  As a mother, I could not be more thrilled.  Another person I have influenced is a friend from work.  She has accomplished so much more than I professionally but still doubts her ability to thrive in the classroom because she claims she did not do well in high school, some 35 years ago.  She is not the same person she was at the age of 17.  She is bright, ambitious and well grounded.  I was shocked to hear of the fear she felt in not believing she has what it takes to attain her adult college degree.  I have no doubt she will thrive and excel in this pursuit.

Where are you in your life?  Do you have the courage to go after your adult college degree?  All you need to do is find the courage it takes to visit Granite State College and the confidence in yourself will soon follow.