"Your suggestions are like having a friend walk you through the process. Thank you." -Moore2do
Read More Testimonials»

Our Starting College Experts

Dr. Thomas Ellett

Dr. Thomas Ellett

Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at New York University...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Nick Herberger

Nick Herberger

Speaker, life coach and author of The Freshman 40: Everything...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Dr. Jodi Patrick Holschuh

Dr. Jodi Patrick Holschuh

Co-author of College Rules!: How to Study, Survive and Succeed...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»

Meet all of our Career Experts»

Got a Question?

Q&A

If you have questions about this change, you're in the right place. Our editors, experts, and community of change optimists have answers!

jlcarruthers

Question:I am a college freshman at the age of 44, how do I fit in?

I am much older than the majority of students in my classes. I feel that the professors teach to their point of view and level of life experience. How can I feel like I am an equal contributor and how can I get what I need from the classes?

Asked by jlcarruthers on 8/29/08 3 Answers»
helgaK

Answer:

I went back to school at 45 and finished at 50 so I know how you feel. My best advice is join in on club activities, its a great way to make connectionsl And, don't worry about your age difference, when you talk to your classmates most will just accept you and develop friendships with you. I think it may be because older students walk in the door with a great deal of life wisdom and the younger students often see us as an asset to the classroom.

Answered by: helgaK on 9/3/08
Karadc

Answer:

From my experience having a wide range of ages in the classroom was really beneficial. Some of my favorite conversations were with a grandmother who I sat next to every day! Open up to those around you and trust me when I say they'll be more willing to listen than you might think.

Answered by: Karadc on 9/2/08
letitgo

Answer:

There's a funny saying that goes something like when we're in our 20s we think everyone is thinking about us, when we're in our 30s we don't care who is thinking about us and in our 40s we realize no one was thinking about us.

You're probably the only one thinking you don't fit in. If anything you probably have an advantage having seen a bit more of life.

Be open and interested in joining in the discussion and soon you will even forget there ever was a difference.

Answered by: letitgo on 8/29/08
Got an Answer?