My Name is Bridget, and I'm a senior preparing to graduate at Southern New Hampshire University. You may have already known that. You may or may not know that I just turned 31 this month, which makes me about 10 years older than most of my classmates.
There are a lot of benefits to being an adult student. Because I have been out in the world without a degree, I understand the value behind getting one, and getting the most out of my education. Life has, at times, not been easy for me since I graduated high school, and I know I want to make my life better. Additionally, because I am older, I know myself better and have a stronger sense of my interests, strengths, and weaknesses than I did when I was younger.
I went to college straight out of high school--UMass Amherst. My major was chemical engineering because I am naturally gifted in math and science, and at the time, an engineering degree meant $45K right out of school. In high school I took all the art classes offered and even pursued my interests in photography, drawing, and painting outside of the classroom, but I never thought I was good enough to get into art school, so I made what seemed to me to be a reasonable decision.
I hated my classes, had no study skills, and skipped class. I changed my major-to math, my least favorite subject-because I had a lot of credits and a decent GPA in the math classes I had completed by then. Another decision that seemed reasonable, but I failed to consider one thing, myself. I was dedicating myself to something I had no interest in. I never finished my degree.
There is one more benefit to being an older student. I had a lot of fun in my 20's--a lot. I've had all the experiences a college aged student could (should?) ever have. I'm past all that now, and without the pressure to live the college lifestyle, I can really focus on my classes without feeling left out or unpopular. I'm not saying I don't want to make friends, I've made lots of wonderful friends at SNHU, and I will be sad to leave them, but they are not the focus. Making myself a better person, not just financially sound, but truly happy with what I do, that is the focus.
I would have never thought, I assumed you were maybe 2 or 3 years older but that is awesome you are doing what you love!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for going back to school to pursue a degree in something you love! You're very talented in graphic design, I'm sure you'll have many opportunities presented to you!
ReplyDeleteIts awesome that you can implement your artistic abilities in a way that you dont need to go to art school. I have seen some of your work and it is very impressive. Congrats on getting your degree in May.
ReplyDeleteWow Bridget, I didn't realize how much we have in common...
ReplyDeleteI'm 29 and my Mom graduated from Plymouth State in 2009. Her drive to finish her degree along with having a crappy boss myself helped me to make the discussion to go back to school transferring credits from my associates degree in graphic design. My favorite class in high school was photography. I too am graduating in May. Oh, plus my Mom works at Elliot Hospital.
(freaky)
It's good to know that you are 100% certain in the degree you are getting now. Many people rush into careers young and realize they hate them. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI like what you chose for a background for your blog. It matches up with the whole school theme. You headline is very catchy as well. When I first saw "I Check A Different Box" in my email it made me curious to what you check a different box for and I wanted to read on. Your headline also reminds me of the senior survey and "checking a different box" on that so your whole blog ties in very nicely here.
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