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Q: Hello, I know this is probably a bit dramatic, but I'm nervous about going back to college and I need some advice.

I am 26 hears old and I haven't gone to school since I was 22. I dropped out after the fall 2009 semester. If I'd graduated in four years, I'd have been done in May 2010, but I know that wouldn't have happened even if I'd stayed in school. I don't know how much longer it's gonna take me to finish, but I still want to go back so I can improve my life and accomplish my dreams.

I don't want to sound like a cry baby, but sometimes my life is so boring I can't take it. I have a loser job and I've never done anything that great or noteworthy. I've GOT to do something to improve my life and keep me from being a loser forever. Not to say that anyone who doesn't go to college is a loser, but not having a degree is the only thing standing in my way of doing the things I've always wanted to do.

I plan to get a job at the museum that my university owns, which I think will be fun. I love history and I've always loved that museum. If I get the job, I'll get free tuition and be allowed to leave work to go to class. It's a great deal and I think it alone will make my life more interesting, but I'm nervous about going back to school.

I'll be going to school with people much younger than me. The freshmen this year were SIXTH GRADERS when I was their age. The seniors were freshmen in high school. What are these people going to think of me? That I'm some bum in her late 20's that's screwed around so much in the past 7 1/2 years that I STILL haven't managed to get a bachelor's degree? Or that I'm so stupid that I can't get one? Most people think I look young for my age, so my classmates may not even know that I'm that much older, but what if they do?

Nervousness isn't the only thing I'm feeling, I'm also excited and anxious to make my life more interesting, but I don't want my nervousness to get worse and make me back out of going to school. I don't think it will, but I'm still worried. Has anyone ever been in a situation like this? If so, what did you do?

I've basically been in your situation. I started college in September 2012 at age 25, after a long hiatus due to medical issues. It's been a ride, but I can tell you that it's worth it.

You're going to notice some huge differences between you and your classmates. Chances are that now that you've been working for a while in a dead-end, minimum wage job you have a lot of incentive to work hard, get fantastic grades and excel. A lot of the 17-18 year olds I was in classes with didn't have that drive. If mommy and daddy are footing the bill, and you're just getting a taste of freedom, why would you care? Because of this, you'll get a lot more out of your education than you would have had you started right out of high school.

Yes, you might get some weird looks and it may be difficult to make friends at first. You won't have the "typical" college experience, and you probably wouldn't want to anyhow. What will happen is that you'll connect with other mature students (believe it or not, you're not the only one making this decision!) and you'll make some great friends with common goals in mind.

You also worry about being labeled as "dumb"... well, that happened to me, at least until the first midterms happened. If people do make the mistake of underestimating you, you'll be able to prove them wrong, no problem. You also have life experience that these kids won't have yet. You've already made the stupid teenage mistakes, and they'll be stuck navigating all that plus school. You have an advantage here.

I'm now halfway through my 3 year program, and it has been well worth it. I've found a group of students that I work well with who are mostly a little older than the norm. It was rough for a while getting back into the academic mindset, but knowing that there's a better future for me than dead-end retail jobs makes it worth all the struggle.

Rating: 5

Thanks. It's always good to hear from someone whose been through something similar to what you have. Thanks again for the great advice and God Bless you!

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My Personal Forum

My name is Amanda and I'm 26 years old. I'm currently studying electrical engineering. Armed with a fairly odd sense of humour and a sunny outlook on life, I'll take on just about anything. I'm also cussedly stubborn, which has its ups and downs. Things get tough sometimes, and I've never been one to run from it.

In my last 8 years with Advicenators, I've gone from honours student to failing out of university (and getting back on top again!), from single to married, from tenant to homeowner.

Until lately, I have been struggling with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and OCD, which had basically ruined my life and taken just about everything from me. I'm thankful every day for every experience I've had because of this ordeal, because it's helped to make me who I am today. Things like that really make you appreciate what you do have. Now that I'm back in work and school and starting to become myself again, I couldn't be happier. I credit Advicenators with saving my life back when I was a teenager, which is a big part of why I'm still here.

I won't necessarily give you the answers you want to hear, but I'll always be honest and do my best to help.