As I find myself grinding through the fall semester I ponder where I’m at in my life, how far I’ve come thus far and what my future holds for me. I suppose these are questions typical college students would ask themselves while on their path to earning a degree. Maybe they aren’t, I just suppose they are.
I’m not what one would consider a “typical” student though. The label I believe for students like me is, “non-traditional”. I’m 54 years old and I guess that distinguishes me as such. I don’t mind the label at all, in fact, I’ve worn it before. And while I ponder these questions I stop myself and ask a better question instead, “how are the classes I’m taking this semester enriching my current life?”, and in that moment I realize just how much my perspective about college has changed since the last time I attended - yes, as a non-traditional student back then as well. I say “changed” but perhaps a better word to describe would be “evolved” - an evolved perspective because now I bring to class with my life experiences and lessons learned outside of an educational institution.
Thirty seven years post high school, romping through life, meeting countless challenges along the way; while starting companies, working in corporate America in strategic roles, creating and selling art, raising a child as a single parent and moving to several states has provided me with a Swiss Army knife filled with proven processes, life hack skills, fortitude and the knowledge one only gains by rolling up their sleeves and figuring sh*t out. I’m a great example of “learn by doing”.
To say I did this all without any formal education would be a lie, however, the truth is, I never finished earning my college degree. I can almost hear the *gasps* as I type these words. I know they’re out there because I’ve shared this with some of my closest friends and each time I did, I received the exact same response…first the hand-covered-mouth *GASP*, then the question - ”how did you ever get a job?” “Sheeeeesh, I really don’t know” I would say, with a slight giggle, but I’m super excited to finally finish my degree now. And so I am again studying for midterm exams.
With all my life experience do I value a college education? Absolutely! Will I finish my degree? Absolutely! However my education today means something entirely different than it did when I first returned to school many... okay, many, many, many years ago. Back then it was just about racking up the credit hours and maintaining a 4.0. Now it’s about adding to what I’ve already learned with the deliberate intention of enriching my life.
I’m a different student now. Not only do I bring something to the table for myself, I’m able to give to others as well. Most of my classmates are barely out of high school and have yet to venture into their first “real” job, meaning one that requires a professional resume. I admire their naivety, wonderment, and ability to instantly become inspired. It renews me. I find myself joyfully sharing my grown-up knowledge and information about technology and processes I’ve learned from being in business. And I’m always more than happy to review someone's project idea and provide feedback because I genuinely want to see them succeed.
Thirty-seven years ago I would have been too wrapped up in my own projects and grades to worry about others. I didn’t understand the value of giving then, as I do now.
I guess you can say that my lessons learned in life are now enriching my lessons learned in class and hopefully those around me as well. I find this to be an interesting twist. I know the overall benefits of returning to school at my age - they are numerous. Learning today keeps me relevant. And if that’s all I got out of it then it would be well worth it.
I look back on the classes I took so long ago and realize how out-of-date that knowledge is today (I’m just thankful those classes still count towards my degree). It also allows me to interact with young students who are the faces of our future. I’m learning more about what motivates them, what they are most passionate about and the technologies and media they utilize the most. As a seasoned marketing professional this holds a ton of value for me in the work I’m doing today for my clients.
Yes, I’m quite a different student now. I read the syllabus - mean the whole thing - and my professors don’t need to remind me when assignments are due. I don’t miss deadlines and I always ask questions when I know the answers will help me write a better paper or be a better student. I’ve also learned that staying up until 2 am to cram for a test doesn't serve me well at all, and it’s better to get a full night's rest instead. And when I’m tempted to stress about a grade I gently remind myself that school is not my life, it is an enrichment to my life.
While it can be challenging at times, I like being a student just as much as I like being a professional. I haven’t taken a conventional journey with my education however, I have continuously kept myself in a learning space. A degree is an accomplishment but also a static marker in our lives. It’s not a stopping point, it’s a stepping stone to continue learning, always learning more and staying relevant. There is no question in my mind as to the value a college education adds to my life, however, I cannot discard or deny the value of the education I’ve earned through living my life either.
I’m 54, and I don’t know the exact date in which I will earn my degree (although I know it’s close) but I do know this, I will always be a student, constantly learning and becoming better along the way at whatever I want. Beyond a degree, whether it be in life or in a classroom. I will always be a student.