Living Life Abundantly

Have you thought about returning to school or entering college for the first time but felt like you were too old? Who said school was just for the 21 and under crowd? Living Life Abundantly is stepping outside of your comfort zone, stepping up to challenges, and living outside of the boxes society tries to place us in.

Going back to school at 40+ may seem intimidating at first, but you are never too old to go back to school.

Nola Ochs graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in General studies when she was 95 years old. Mozelle Richardson graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma at age 90.

If they can do it, so can you. Returning to school is an opportunity to:

1. Grow professionally.
2. Earn more money.
3. Avoid being passed up for promotions.
4. Learn new skills.
5. Change Careers.
6. Discover new career opportunities.
7. Meet new people.
8. Experience personal satisfaction.
9. Accomplish educational goals.
10. Set an example for children/grandchildren.

The more you know the more you grow, education is key to living life abundantly.

There are many programs and scholarships for non traditional students. My friend Stephanie sent a heads on the AARP Foundation Women’s Scholarship Program. For more information visit: http://www.aarpfoundationwlc.org

Whether you are a traditional freshman, traditional transfer student, or non-traditional transfer student (one who is older than the average transfer student) making a fresh start, be sure to check out the advantages of being in the Honors Program at your university. If you’re like many students, getting into an Honors Program is far less important than simply getting through your first year at the university. But, getting into an Honors Program early can pay tremendous dividends. It’s a great way to meet new friends, gain access to additional resources, and maintain a positive perspective on your college education.

Meeting new friends is a critical part of a successful college experience. In no matter what setting we find ourselves, we want relationships with other people. Of course there are opportunities to meet new friends in class and informal settings like the dorms, but it may take awhile to determine if these students are serious about their education. Students enrolled in Honors Programs are serious about their education and their future. Having friends in a variety of settings, including an Honors Program, will increase your knowledge base of social events, clubs, campus events, and opportunities for off-campus involvement. Keep your eyes open and your ears tuned to what other students around you are talking about. Campus conversations are often about what’s happening in class and on or around campus. You might overhear students talking about a resource that would be perfect for you. By excusing yourself and getting into the conversation, you just might get information about a key resource and create a lifelong friendship in the process.

One of the most important things to learn as a true freshman or as a student making a fresh start is to navigate the many resources that are available on campus. Stop by the tables when groups are recruiting new members or handing out information. You can sign-up to receive e-mailings from various clubs and student causes. Check out the tutorial services that are provided on campus. Find out if your professor is working with a graduate student who might be willing to lead a study group or mentor you. Locate the scholarship office on campus and visit there periodically to learn of new scholarship postings. Read the bulletin boards as you move through the halls of various buildings. Job openings, volunteer opportunities, and scholarships are often posted on bulletin boards. Professors who teach Honors classes know that their students are serious about their education and are often motivated to grant these students access to the many resources and opportunities that cross their path. When you’re on campus, that’s not the time to be shy. Ask questions and lots of them!

You have the power to create your college experience. Make it positive! High school days are over. You won’t be called a nerd for enrolling in an Honors Program at the university. Chances are if you were a nerd in high school, you’ve left behind the students who were not serious or who do not value education. Whether you’re a true freshman, traditional, or non-traditional transfer student, you have already proven to yourself and others that you can make it. If you’re a true freshman, you’ve demonstrated your academic abilities by being accepted to the university. If you’re a traditional transfer student, you’ve demonstrated your dedication to your education. If you’re a non-traditional transfer student, you’ve demonstrated your determination to reach your goals. It’s now time to take hold of as many opportunities as you can and maintain a positive attitude with each new experience. And for goodness sake there should be no thought or talk of “it’s too hard.” If things begin to get a bit overwhelming, remember how you got to the university in the first place. You have already proven you’re a winner with a winning attitude!

Navigating your first year at the university might be challenging, but making new friends, utilizing resources that are available on campus, and having a positive, proactive outlook can help to smooth your transition. Get involved, attend meetings, read the campus newspaper, talk to your professors during their conference period and yes, enroll in an Honors Program. Take your education to the next level and graduate from your university with honors. Honors can often be obtained through your department, at the university level, or both. Either way, you can do it! Think of how proud you will be at graduation when you have those honors cords around your neck and the words ‘With Honors’ stamped on your diploma.

By:

Cynthia Ace

September 20, 2007