r/MadeMeSmile • u/Ajnat75 • 21d ago
I started college the other day after being out of school for 6 years and never thinking I was capable of doing it Personal Win
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u/Xclusive420 21d ago
You got this man, proud of you.
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u/Ajnat75 21d ago
This has also made me smile
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u/Xclusive420 21d ago
Your going to kick ass brother, wish you success and satisfaction. Again proud of you
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u/deathxxvalley 21d ago
Congrats!! I start college in two weeks after 7 years of being out of school. I'm so nervous but so excited! I feel like it's kindergarten again
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u/Ajnat75 21d ago
That’s exactly how it felt for me, you’ll do great, just trust yourself and do your best
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u/thegildedtruffle 21d ago
Congrats to you both! Having taught university courses in the social sciences/humanities, my experience is that "non traditional" students are often my favorite because they 1) have experience in the world and thus don't have to think of everything they're being taught as abstract concepts and help the rest of the class get what's going on and 2) they know how to manage their time better because they've already worked. Treat assignments like a task at work, and it's much less daunting.
My advice is: Taking notes isn't really so much for looking at later, they're for helping you focus on the lecture or text you're reading. Take notes extensively and learn to summarize information, it'll help you retain it even if you never look at the notes again. Every single one of my books has many notes in the margins, summarizing key points of the page, noting where the most important part of the argument is. If you need to return your books, use sticky notes. Learning to summarize also helps you not plagiarize as you get used to putting concepts into your own words.
Use the resources at your school, such as writing help centers and library orientations. There are many, but people often don't look into them or know they exist. They're part of your tuition, so get use out of them.
Helping to teach others is one of the best ways to learn. Think of group assignments and discussions this way, and they become less about the person who slacks on the assignment and more an opportunity to learn through teaching.
Libgen is your friend. Know what libgen is.
If you buy books, buy them used when you can, sometimes the notes from past students can even help you. Ask your professor if you can use the previous edition, those are usually cheaper.
Communicate with your professors. We're all adults here, if you know you'll miss a deadline, politely let them know in advance what's going on and how you would ideally like to fix it and whether that would be okay. Some are hardasses, but most of us are human and understand you have lives, families and jobs beyond our classes.
You got this, have a great time!
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u/UnfavorableFlop 21d ago
I graduated from HS in 2001, went to work retail until 2008. Went back to college. Started with community College, took my time and took school seriously. Transferred to UC Berkeley Engineering in 2012 and finished in 2015. Best life decision I ever made. I love what I do now.
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u/Ajnat75 21d ago
Wow congratulations, people like you are who inspired me to go back
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u/UnfavorableFlop 21d ago
I'm genuinely happy for you; it takes a lot of will to break out of complacency. The way I see it, going back to school gave me a new lease on life.
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u/Professor_Crab 21d ago
Been in retail for the last 7 years, just had my first day back to school in 6 years on Monday
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u/lizard-garbage 21d ago
I was so tired of customer service I applied on a whim and didnt think anything would come of it but first day on Monday too we got this!!
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u/Professor_Crab 21d ago
Just gotta stay faithful to ourselves, not always an easy thing to do but just remember it’s only a few years!
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u/L00pback 21d ago
You got this man. There will be frustrating times but just keep going. College is about education but it’s also about showing you can make it through challenges. I got into a routine for my classes (didn’t matter the subject) and just did the same thing each time. It took the surprise/stress out of new classes.
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u/L00pback 21d ago
Oh man, this is just like me except you got out of retail quicker than me. Graduated in 95 and worked in retail for 12 years until I was told I couldn’t climb the corporate ladder because I didn’t have a degree. Went back to school full time and worked full time to get my degree in computer science. Quit for a much better life. Love my job. Best decision for me too.
Congrats on your success!
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u/Sucre-2000 21d ago
CONGRATULATIONS! Definitely won’t regret it! 😊 From one adult student to another- DO NOT STOP!
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u/Ajnat75 21d ago
It’s nice to know there are other adults out there filling their dreams
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u/Shrew_Coup 21d ago
Another adult student here! We all got this!! I've been in school for a long time and I've been going through it very slowly as to ensure I do well and not stress because I also work. Seeing you on your first day made me feel so awesome, too.
I always feel like life is a rat race and I'm just trying to follow my dreams. You're gonna do awesome. I'm rooting for you!
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u/Sea-Target9187 21d ago
It's so nice to hear someone emulate my own thoughts when I feel alone sometimes following my dreams. Thank you Shrew_Coup!
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u/Sucre-2000 21d ago
Oh my word I’ve been going so slow too- thank you. You made my day! I won’t bore you with a back story, but knowing I’m not alone was a push. 😃
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u/s1ugg0 21d ago
There are a lot of us. I didn't become a firefighter until I was 34. I was so afraid I'd be the old guy at the academy. 8 out of the 21 members of my class were over 30. The oldest was 51. And all eight of us finished in the top 10 of the class.
You have advantages young people don't have. You likely already have a work ethic and the wisdom to know short term pain is worth long term goals.
You got this man. I know you do.
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u/MagScaoil 21d ago
As a professor, I love our “nontraditional” students.
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u/Sucre-2000 21d ago
A classmate once said, “it’s not fair, you have an ‘in’ with the professors that we don’t have and you’re going to get a better grade.“ 😂 I thought that was funny. But after the quarter is over many of them have offered to take me to lunch that’s always fun.
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u/Therealsuperman04 21d ago
Congratulations!! As someone that didn’t finish college, I always wanted to go back and finish. This is amazing! You are capable of anything, I wish you the best!
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u/ContextualNightmare 21d ago
Life is not race. There is no set time when you must complete said task to become a functioning human. There is no shame in honorable pursuits. Much luck in your journey.
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u/RivetAmber 21d ago
Bachelors is the hardest degree to get. Take it from a phd. Keep on keeping on.
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u/King-Henry-VIIIs-Cat 21d ago
Future Msc student here, why would you say this? Is it because if the initial step up from high school to college level? I know I found it challenging to write papers in a different way.
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u/Pancake_Dan 21d ago
Please do one of the side by side pictures with the start of the day and the end of the day. I've seen some pretty funny ones.
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u/turnturnburn 21d ago
Dude, it took me 10 years and I dropped out several times, if I could do it, you can too. You got this!
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u/LorianneCyanide 21d ago
You got this buddy!! A dear friend of mine didn't go back to school until she was in her 40s and she got masters degree. Do what your heart desires. Fuck anyone who says otherwise!
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u/Heidibearr 21d ago
hey!! Im 28 and till working on getting my BA. I consider myself actually super grateful to go attend school as an older student because it’s made my approach to it much more serious than if I was younger. All the best to you!
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u/grlz2grlz 21d ago
Congratulations, today was my first day back after about five years. I know just how you are feeling, you got it!!!
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u/No_Detective_9394 21d ago
Congrats! Make khan academy on YouTube your friend, make connections with professors. I returned to school in the fall of 2014 after being away for 10 years. I earned my masters in social work and I’m employed as a mental health therapist. Believing in yourself is half the battle.
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u/MachineGunTeacher 21d ago
Go get it, bro!! It’s worth every agonizing minute when you get that diploma.
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u/Truth4Fate 21d ago
It’s never to late to start! I just started my junior year after being out of college for 9 years. I knew that I wanted to move farther in my career and despite being scared and afraid and always making excuses about it not being needed. I pulled the trigger and went back. This time will fly by and I promise you, because you are doing this later you will value your time more. CONGRATS MAN! It’s a awesome journey to be apart of and I am happy to see more people make decisions they think are best for them selves!!
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u/lottBer42 21d ago
Even if you feel very stupid and uneducated the first half year and have the feeling that you cant keep pace; dont give up ! I went back to engineering school after 7 years and had a terrible time in the beginning. I Had to re-learn the very basics and Even how to actually study stuff. But eventually, i Got to know others in the same Situation as me and was relieved That i was not the only one having trouble. Not being alone and having peers to help each Other out and to ask „dumb questions“ helped me a lot and i am so glad i made it through.
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u/skywalker3827 21d ago
College professor here. Just wanted to say well done!!! There are so many more non-traditional students in my classes these days so you are definitely in good company! I'm always thankful for the perspective and life experiences my non-traditional students bring. Have a fantastic semester!
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u/UlusOfJoch 21d ago
Also one of those things and I took 10 years off after HS. I did army, then some trades then some office crapola and finally got into college with a Veterans Upward Bound program. A few degrees later and I have a job that I love doing what I love!
You got this, kick ass and share your experiences with your new friends!
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u/d3adr0gue 21d ago
I graduated highschool in ‘04. Decided I wanted to move into a more lucrative career field, had my first college class Tuesday. It’s gonna take some work for me. I have a supportive family and that definitely helps.
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u/TheZenho 21d ago
Awesome bro! I've been out for 4 years now and have wanted to go back. You inspire me good luck!
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u/antoine_montt 21d ago
I'll take a screenshot of your post and see it every time I feel without motivation
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u/grabmybizzos 21d ago
I worked for 6 years out of high school. Went back to school. I will be graduating this December.
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u/SereniaKat 21d ago
Good on you! I hope you love it! I finished high school at 28, then went and got a degree. It's never too late to go back to school!
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u/Ritzybubbles 21d ago
I wanted to make a joke about camo pants but you realy cant make a joke here bravo
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u/Moofisilla 21d ago
It may be that I just woke up, but when I saw your photos I thought you were dressed up as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.
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u/The_Revolution7306 21d ago
Congrats. Also - Where did you get those shorts!! So sick!
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u/iMakeMiraclesHappen 21d ago
This man is hunting a degree, and the world won’t even see him coming.
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u/just_fuckin_around 21d ago
Hey I went back in 2016 when I was 26. I just graduated and it feels good. You've got this!!!
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u/Hot_Yogurtcloset5430 21d ago
Good luck. I took a six year break to join the military between my second and third years of college. I was a better student after maturing some. You’ll do great.
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u/PauliePennino 21d ago
I know this feeling!!!! I started college at 29 years old and got my undergrad at 32...graduating in three years because there's NOTHING like actually wanting to be there! Great job! You're a winner!!!
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u/mfruno 21d ago
AJ!!!!!! You’re famous!! Gonna have to ask for your autograph next time I see you. Can’t wait to see you inspire future generations. God speed.
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u/Identifurselfnibba 21d ago
How do you do it? How do you deal with anxiety and stress? I have a problem with this, I just feel like I am not capable of doing anything. I also started school but I literally feel scared and started to cry on my first day.
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u/OhNoMeIdentified 21d ago
Dude! That's lit!
I'm literally applause You, because things like this is very inspirational!
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u/AsariEmpress 21d ago
I feel you my man, I graduated in 2013 and started Uni in 2019, the first semester was such a throwback to the learning culture :D Best of luck to you!
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u/marshmallmao 21d ago
Just tell them you're an undercover cop and you're on a n assignment about an unnamed individual.
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u/Vincegyges 21d ago
What a boss! You're doing great. Do you think they'll notice you're there in that outfit tho? O_o
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u/tawdry-eloquence 21d ago
Good on ya, mate. I started Uni as a mature aged student (28) and only word of advice I can give is don't try and fit in with younger crowds.
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u/confabin 21d ago
Good job, you can do it! I did the same thing and 2 years later I'm almost ready for uni. Don't let anything get you down, I believe in you!
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u/PositivelyTragic 21d ago
Damn I already used up my free reward ;( but congrats to you! Love your joy, hope you have the best time 🎉
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u/babishkamamishka 21d ago
That's amazing dude. I went back after a few years and I'm studying psych now at 26 :)
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u/MeLikeYou 21d ago
Congratulations!!!
Always remember that strengthening the brain isn’t unlike strengthening the muscles. When it’s hard is when you are doing your best work. You gotta lift that brain weight again and again until it’s easy, then it’s on to the next. You got this.
You already took the first steps. I’m proud of you and so is everyone here. Keep lifting, brother. You won’t even recognize yourself on the other side, you’re about to grow so much.
Absolute champ.
Fantastic. Get it, friend.
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u/PurpletoasterIII 21d ago
Man what a coincidence, I literally just attended my first class yesterday. And the last time I've been in school was when I graduated high school in 2015, 6 years ago.
Just know you're not alone, cause you literally aren't I'm right here with you.
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u/Car_Washed 21d ago
I'm so sorry. I saw the pic without looking at the caption or what this subreddit is and I thought he shit his shorts .
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u/Ongoingtwat 21d ago
This was helpful to me. Struggling at my study at 36
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u/Infbenob 20d ago
Keep pushing. You’ll get through it and have accomplished something worthwhile :)
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u/KingZoost 21d ago
Congrats, and good luck on the journey! How old are ya? (if you don’t mind me asking)
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u/PhysicistSaysWhat 21d ago
Excellent choice on the backpack my guy! What Pencilcase did you go for tho?
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u/DuhhIshBlue 21d ago
Congratulations and good luck! Leaving education for later in your life should be normalised, but so many people assume it's because you made some sort of mistake. What're you studying? How are you liking it? :D
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u/daughterof312 21d ago
I love teaching non traditional students. They know what they want out of the college experience and overcame some hurdles to get there. Good stuff, OP!
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u/Mother_of_Pigatron 21d ago
Look at you go, dude, you got this! I hope you have an incredible time, make lifelong friends, and pass your studies with flying colours!! Xx
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u/youcancallmequeenE 21d ago
This made me so happy, CONGRATULATIONS!!! It’s been 6 years for me too and I’m really struggling with feeling confident enough to return to school after being out of it for so long. Thanks for sharing, you’ve got this!
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u/feuilletoniste573 21d ago
Big congrats to you, friend!
And some gratuitous advice that I give all new students, which is especially useful when you've been away from formal schooling for a while: Remember that everyone hits a rough patch or two in college and that's nothing to be ashamed of. If the work is hard, that's a good thing - it means that you're learning something! Take responsibility for your work and study habits, and find methods and approaches that work for you. Keep communicating with your professors, break scary assignments into manageable tasks, go to office hours, and make good use of all the resources your college has to help its students thrive. Best of luck - I hope you take some great classes and make some great friends along the way! 🎓🌳📚📝💻
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u/BlazedSkoty 21d ago
Hell yeah man, you can do it! I have a lot of self doubt, and with some help from friends I was able to ACE my finals today....
YOU GOT THIS!!!!
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u/SnowyOwl994 21d ago
This is awesome!! Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 love the pictures!