Nontraditional

I find myself in a unique position because after so many years have gone by since my first attempt at college I was able to go back again. Through the good fortune of my husband getting a job at Ohio Northern University as their esports coach I was able to take classes for next to nothing. The thought of going back to school terrified me to the point of self-doubt but with the support of friends and family I finally decided it was the right decision for me. I had the luxury of choosing to only take three classes for my first semester back just so I could get my foot in the door. I can safely say after nearly completing my first semester at ONU I'm very happy I decided to continue my education and even at 28-years-old you still have the capability to learn. 

A person at my age who goes back to college is typically called a "nontraditional student" and I found it quite fitting. Adult students have long been an important part of the college student body whether it was the World War II veterans who flooded campuses thanks to the GI Bill or seemingly perennial students like James Franco. Today, adult college students number 6.6 million which is about 35% of those enrolled in higher education currently. The adult student population is expected to grow much faster than that of the younger students for the next several years. 

If there is any wisdom I hope to pass on to my fellow students it’s that learning will be apart of your life for the rest of your life. Also, there is no shame in going back to college after so many years and wanting to better yourself.