I grew up in a poor family. No doubt there were families a bit less advantaged then we were, but we were poor. My father always had a job, and except for the time my mom when to nursing school, she too always had a job. But we, my brother and I and later my sister too, didn't have the advantages as some of the "wealthier" families. We always wore hand me down clothes and shoes. Our furniture, cars or what ever was second hand.
My folks struggled to get by even though both of them worked. They had lots of bills to pay (most were my medical bills) and I knew that college just wasn't gonna happen for me right out of high school. A few years after high school, when my first husband was pretty much settled in a really good job (or so I thought) I did apply for college. I was actually accepted. But when the now X saw that it was going to cost him more than he was willing to part with, he nixed the whole thing. If I couldn't get the grants or scholarships, I wasn't going.
So here it is 30 years after my graduation from high school and 20 years after 2 semesters of vo-thech for a general office certificate, I'm taken my first steps. Today I met with the registrar of Penn State Beaver. I have my classes set for the fall. As ambitious as I'd like to be, I'm not totally insane. At my age and the fact that I haven't been to school in 20 years, I decided that part time for at least the first semester. Now usually this means just two classes. However, since I haven't been to school in 20 years I decided to take basic review courses in math and English. Why? Because I want good grades. I do not want to jump into intermediate algebra or a composition course and end up with a C, D or worse fail out. These two classes do count against my GPA but will not count towards my degree. After talking to my husband, however, we both agree that it is still the best way to go. I did elect to take an history course as well. This class, American Civilization up to 1877, will count toward my degree. I have to wait a bit because the books are not available yet, but I should be able to get them soon, possibly even from Amazon or B&N for less than the University Books store. Something I will check into. I also received my student ID today .. .Yeah it's very official!!
My official student ID ....I'm a Nittany Lion!!
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Comments: 33
Woo Hoo!! Congratulations Nancy!
Congratulations, Nancy! I know you will do well and I think you will enjoy the college experience.......good luck but I don't think you'll need it!
every little bit helps!!! LOL thank you!
congrats! that's great news!
That is great, Congrats!
good for you !
I think you can do anything you set your mind to do....you finally are getting your chance, and it about time. Although you are scared (I would be too)...you will do just fine. We all have faith in you.
Nancy, that is wonderful!!
Congrats Nancy! Your gonna do great :)
Congratulations. You are one step closer to your dream of graduating college! Baby steps.
I went to college and actually graduated, altho' I was in the bottom 3/5 of my class. I wasn't the best student. I did get my degree - BS in Speech, I majored in Mass Communications Radio but never got a job in it. I worked in Publishing for many years, also dabbled in advertising and marketing.
Good luck. It is a lot of work but it will be worth it in the end. This is just wonderful. Good for you! You don't want to see my college I.D. Your picture is much better!
Congrats! I'm sure you will do fine. A former classmate of mine just got his BA in May, and he like myself have been out of High School for 30 years.
Congratulations Nancy. We dont stop learning until we die. All the best my friend, all the best.
Congratulations Nancy!
You can do it. I went back at age 36, grad just before 40, had me MS in english/ writing. I may not be a rich writer but I was the first in my fam to go to and complete college. Its plenty worth it.
I think you are very wise to take the skill building courses. I did not realize how much I did not know until I registered at Ivy Tech. They give a standard compass exam to every new student to assess their current skills and to be able to place them skill building classes if needed. I scored 99 in writing, 95 in reading and 24 in Math. So.....I just got through the first skill building math course. The class was through Ivy Tech but totally online and used MyMathLab, which was exactly what I needed. This program is like having a tudor by your side 24 hours a day. When you miss a question, the software will give you step by step answers of how to solve it. Once you practice those steps a few times you have learned how to solve that particular math problem. I ended up with a B, and I know I learned. I will be taking basic algebra this next time and won't be on Gather much most likely because I am carrying a full load. What is good about starting out a community college is that you get use to taking college courses in a less stressful environment and most of their programs transfer completely to 4 year colleges. My specific one is an Associate in Human Services, should take 1 1/2 years to 2 years to finish it. The entire program transfers to Ball State in Indiana and many other colleges. I plan to go with St. Marys of the Woods for a B.S. in Human Services. I should have only 2 years left to finish this degree and much less in tuition than had I started out at a 4 year college.
Congrats on two things, going back to school and finding a wonderful husband who is very supportive! I wish you the best of luck in college!! =)
Good for you.ongrats. I just know you will do good.
Way to go Nancy! I think your right in taking the refresher courses. I took them when I first went back but that was 20 years ago. I am hoping to go back to school and more than likey will retake those courses.
See how smart you are? You've already made a good decision just like a college co-ed. Start small, think big. You're on your way. 2 thumbs up!! :)
i am so proud of you you can do it
Congrats
Congrats Nancy!!! That is so fantastic!!
That is so awesome! I bet it feels great to be doing this!!
WOOT!!! Total coolness indeed, go get lady and show them what you're all about! =~>
Congratulations!
You're going to have a blast! :)
Woo" Hoo" !!!!! Hooray" !! " WTG " and CONGRATS !!!
Nancy... A dream... a plan... a vision.. congrats and enjoy the ride.... I did go to college and loved to study. would love to do something like that again.
Good for you.
I thought of goin to school as well. I think it would be great but I have no idea what to go to school for with my limitations.
Oh Nancy, I'm so happy for you!
Way to go!!!! I worked at a college for about 11years total and 4 years in the Nursing Department. The best students were the older students. They were more focused and wanted the degree more.
I admire what you are doing. As my grandaughter would say. You are the bomb!
good for you!