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Ok, after much thought, I am going to make a post I know I surely will regret, but it has been weighing on my mind SO much, that I really have to spill it.

As many of you know, I am 31 and headed back to college. I have an A.A. degree, but dropped out of college to get married early. Anyway-- I have a hubbie and two little kids.

I am NO prude, consider my self very young and hip and NOT frumpy mommy (ppl always think I am in my twenties) I have had a really fasinating life, am outgoing, incredibly opiniated, people person, fun... and have always easily made friends.. popular back in school and all that stuff. But, now, when I read threads like "I touched her breast" , I realize I am a world away from all you entering freshman, and not much closer to even those who are jr and sr in college.

The school I am attending only has about 60 adult undergrads on campus-- so its not like I will have classes full of peers. I am entering as a JR, so most ppl in my classes will already be established at school...

(I cannot believe I am going to say this) ANYWHO-- I am really worried about all this. Am I going to be the wierd old lady in the corner who never shuts up and thinks she knows it all? Am I going to be the one who never talks bc she's too insecure around all these "kids"? Am I going to be ostracized or ignored or even argued with by classmates, etc?

I do not expect to schlep off to college and hang out with kids drinking beers at night-- I have a famliy, and I had all those fun times already when I was younger. But, I am worried about "fitting in" in the classroom and on campus .

Ok, I said it... what do you guys think?

By Buddnutz (Buddnutz) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 12:10 am: Edit

I think you need to relax and enjoy your education. There have always been the adults in my class who do talk quite frequently, but the students I've seen show nothing but respect. If you try and receive an education based on the reaction of those around you, you can't get what you want out of it. Your experience will not be the same as the young people who are first time in college students. Part of it is you- if you are social and talk a lot. You should also consider joining a sorority or service fraternity. I know a man who is 36 and just pledged a fraternity at my school, and he fits in very well. All in all, I think its crucial that you study something you enjoy, and if snobby kids make fun of you, then they are just that.

By Buckojackson (Buckojackson) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 12:11 am: Edit

Wish I could help you more, but I've never been to a 4-year uni. I also went to a CC and I'm transferring to a 4-year.

I don't see how you'll have problems in the classroom at all. I highly doubt you look like "the old lady" type anyway.

By Smhop (Smhop) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 12:22 am: Edit

Thanks, I totally don't look the old lady part when I look in the mirror. I am trendy, without dressing "too young". Pierced my nose while living overseas, would rather suffer severe foot pain than wear "good, supportive" shoes, etc... I think I look young. =)

But, heck, thats what *I* see... I worry about what 18 and 20 yo's see...

Thanks though for the kind words.. I am just terrified about this, even though I know its just silly of me.

I just worry I will be out of touch somehow or totally out of my league, you know?

By Fenix_Three (Fenix_Three) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 01:27 am: Edit

Well, even if some people decide to mock you it's not like you have to spend the day with them. There will always be respectful listeners in your classes and I'm sure that you won't think that all 20 year olds are immature after a couple of weeks in college. It's scary how mature foreign students are, especially those from India. They know they can't screw up because it's their only chance in life. Well.. a bit of a stereotype, but there are people like that.

Anyways, go to school to learn and the rest will follow... or don't listen to me I'm just a sleepy 18 year old, my god I'm tired.

By Buckojackson (Buckojackson) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 01:47 am: Edit

The only problem i could see you having socially is if you were living on campus and trying to socialize primarily with the freshmen, for example. I mean, you could live on campus and still not really have problems, because you'd probably gravitate to the older upperclassmen anyway, and the grad students. In the classroom I don't see this happening regardless.

Mocking or joking in the classroom would really be almost unheard of, especially in your condition, being as relatively young as you are. You really have nothing to worry about.

By Tropicanabanana (Tropicanabanana) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 03:20 am: Edit

Smhop, I saw your pic. You are so pretty, and you don't look old at all. In fact, I just thought you were a grad student.

By Smhop (Smhop) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 11:43 am: Edit

thanks, trop, that makes me feel better =)

By Poison_Ivy (Poison_Ivy) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 02:48 pm: Edit

You are seriously 31? You should like a 19 year old. You're hella cool Smhop.

By Smhop (Smhop) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 04:05 pm: Edit

Well, I cannot pass for 19, but most people say I look about 25. Though, I still get carded when we manage to go out, thats for sure.

By Anglophile (Anglophile) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 04:43 pm: Edit

Well, you sound like a 19year old in this post. Worrying about whether you'll fit in? I had hoped that maturity would temper that insecurity. As for being the weird old lady in the corner who never shuts up-- you'll be in good company. ME! I'm 19, but have been accused of sounding like an old lady many times, and I never ever shut up! I'm sure there will be other lovely irritating kids like me where you're going. I've been at a city college for two years, and there are many older students that easily mix with 17-19year olds. We love them. They have a great deal of experience and knowledge to share, and are usually very young at heart (and I'm talking about the 50 and over age range). You won't have a problem, but stop worrying about fitting in and start worrying about standing out.

By Buckojackson (Buckojackson) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 08:10 pm: Edit

Where's SMhop's pic? ;)