Starting a new school is always a jittery experience, but it's especially so when you've been out of the classroom for what seems like a lifetime. If that's your situation, know that you've plenty of company. In fact, you're part of a pretty large student population here at NCC--people who've decided at 25, 35, 45, or whatever age to see what college is all about.
Regardless of the date on your birth certificate, the fact that you've decided to continue your education is what matters. Starting college at any age is an important step, but for older students it's often the ultimate life changer, a turning point like no other. So before that thrilling (and terrifying!) first day of classes arrives, here are some tips on making your college experience a memorable one.
1. Get over the age thing. Most NCC students don't care a lick about the age of the people sitting next to them in class. As long as their classmates are interested, serious, respectful, and approachable, it's all cool. About the only time age becomes an issue is when someone gives off an "I'm-older-and-I-know-it-all" attitude, which sometimes implies disdain for younger students. Don't be self conscious about your age. Be genuine and you'll hit it off with students from 17 to 75.
2. Be open to school. You'll get out of college what you put into it. If you approach school with the right attitude, you'll definitely be satisfied more often than not. View each of your classes as a chance to stretch and grow, and try to focus on what you can take away from every experience (both in and out the classroom). There's a lot to learn in college, not only about the world but about yourself. Stay on your toes.
3. Use your help. Whether it's working with a Writing Center tutor on a paper, asking a librarian for help with a research question, or taking part in a Career Center workshop, you owe it to yourself to get the most out of NCC's many tutoring, counseling, and other support services (http://www.ncc.edu/studentlife/orientation/student_support_services.shtml). You'll learn about services at the Adult Student Orientation on Wed., August 27 (call 572.7141 for details). And be sure to get acquainted the Adult Resource Center (a must for older students!) in Nassau Hall.
4. Be smart (and realistic) about time. Managing classes, a job, a social life, and family responsibilities isn't impossible, but it definitely requires you to be organized, to keep your priorities straight, and to make your minutes count. The challenge is to strike a balance between school and the other parts of your life, all of which deserve your attention. If you need advice on making everything fit, try our time management workshops (http://www.ncc.edu/campusservices/educational_counseling/workshops.shtml) or chat with your NCC 101 instructor (http://www.ncc.edu/studentlife/ncc_101.shtml). Both will help.
5. Connect with the campus. No matter how busy you are, don't let college become a solitary experience. Talk to students in your classes. Join a study group (a good way to get a better handle on what you're studying AND to get to know your classmates). If your department or program schedules a speaker or some other event, attend. Also, join a club: there are more than a hundred at NCC, all offering chances to meet people. And, of course, get to know your professors, most of whom will be eager to speak with you about your coursework and offer thoughtful advice about college.
Still nervous about starting Nassau? Don't be. You're beginning a great new chapter in your life, one that will be interesting and rewarding and exciting. And even if you hit a few bumps in the road along the way (everyone does), keep this advice in mind and your college journey will be awesome.
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