By Brandon Rice | Second year Journalism student
My name is Brandon and I’m a 26-year-old Journalism student at Mohawk College. Like most people, I went to college immediately after high school. Although, once I started I quickly discovered I wasn’t ready for college. So, I decided to take some time and enter the workforce.
Six years went by before I really started to think about my dream job. I knew I wanted a career that has something to do with sports, video games, and writing. The Journalism program at Mohawk College seemed like a good fit for me to develop the skills I needed to tell compelling stories. I had a few reservations. For one, I would be a mature student, I wondered what had changed. Would I be the oldest in the class? Would younger students have any advantages over me?
Now in my second year at the college, I can share a few tips that could help you make the transition to college as a mature student.
1. You are not alone.
There are plenty of mature students. Even if you are the oldest one in your class you will find others around your age too. Your professors are much closer to your age so it’s easier to feel confident, build a connection and a working relationship with them. Making these connections may come in handy when you graduate and are looking to start your career in that field. Age is just a number and you will find connections in your classroom and beyond.
2. Your life experiences are an asset.
Whether it’s life experience, work experience, any kind of experience, you have years of knowledge in your back pocket now. Don’t be afraid to use it! Bring your background and a positive attitude. Both your professors and peers will appreciate it.
3. Take advantage of financial assistance.
The biggest lesson I learned is to take advantage of all the different resources offered at the college, such as financial assistance. Ask for help and research all the different financial options you have. People are here to help answer questions about scholarships and bursaries available to you.
4. Take on a leadership role.
Your classmates may recognize that you have previous education or work experience, and look up to you. It may not be easy to stand up and take on a leadership role in a group project, but you can learn a lot from trying! When you have more experience, it makes it a lot easier to step up take charge and be a leader.
5. Be yourself!
Be yourself, be open to what other people have to offer but offer your perspective and interests right back. Just because someone is coming straight from high school doesn’t mean they don’t like Queen and just because you’re a mature student doesn’t mean you don’t love Drake. People are drawn to others with similar interests and don’t get caught up on age. Remember it’s just a number!
Be yourself, have fun, but when it comes down to it be serious about your education. Absorb all the knowledge you can and have a positive attitude.
In Summary, JUST DO IT!
My final thoughts are, as someone wiser once said, JUST DO IT! If you know what you want to do then the only thing stopping you is your self-doubt. There are so many people you can talk to before coming to make sure you’ve chosen the perfect program to help you accomplish your career goals. You can:
