✎ Thinking about going back to college?
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Returning to college as an adult
Feeling hopeful? Anxious? Doubtful? Confident?
I felt all of those things when I decided to go back to college. I had already done the college thing right after high school and worked in my industry for 26 years. I was about to make a career change and wanted to take some related courses at the local community college.
I started taking classes at Austin Community College in the Spring of 2008. I was still working part time but was able to fit in two classes to jump start my new career. I convinced myself I could do it because after all, I had earned a degree from a prestigious college, how hard could a community college be anyway? On the other hand, it had been a long time since my last college class; I wondered if I would have enough self-discipline to do the studying and keep up with homework. I felt good about my ability to learn new things and my adeptness with computers. On the other hand, I would be much older than the other students. I might even be the oldest person in the class.
I had several conflicting emotions pulling at me at the same time. I proceeded with the registration/application process, counseling, orientation, and campus tour. All of a sudden, it was the night before the first class was to begin.
I felt all of those things when I decided to go back to college. I had already done the college thing right after high school and worked in my industry for 26 years. I was about to make a career change and wanted to take some related courses at the local community college.
I started taking classes at Austin Community College in the Spring of 2008. I was still working part time but was able to fit in two classes to jump start my new career. I convinced myself I could do it because after all, I had earned a degree from a prestigious college, how hard could a community college be anyway? On the other hand, it had been a long time since my last college class; I wondered if I would have enough self-discipline to do the studying and keep up with homework. I felt good about my ability to learn new things and my adeptness with computers. On the other hand, I would be much older than the other students. I might even be the oldest person in the class.
I had several conflicting emotions pulling at me at the same time. I proceeded with the registration/application process, counseling, orientation, and campus tour. All of a sudden, it was the night before the first class was to begin.
Going back to college?
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Strategies for Changing Your Career
I highly recommend this book for anyone thinking about changing careers. By the time I finished it, I had a whole new perspective on my career and my life in general. The book helped me set goals and develop a plan. It gave me hope.
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My Courses
These are the classes I have taken:
Spring 2008: Grammar & Style, Technical Writing
Summer 2008: Accounting (QuickBooks Pro)
Spring 2009: Online Helps, C++ Programming
Summer 2009:Art History, Digital Imaging (Photoshop)
Fall 2009: Web Design I (HTML and CSS), Aerobics, Stretching & Flexibility
Spring 2010: Web Design II (Dreamweaver, Fireworks), Digital Publishing I (InDesign), Interactive Multimedia (Flash), Interface Design, Aerobics, Swimming
Summer 2010: Grant Proposals and Business Plans
Fall 2010: Interactive Digital Media II (ActionScript), Aerobics
Spring 2011Beginning Web Page Programming (JavaScript), Project Analysis and Design
May 2011
I have completed my courses and earned my certificate in web design
Spring 2008: Grammar & Style, Technical Writing
Summer 2008: Accounting (QuickBooks Pro)
Spring 2009: Online Helps, C++ Programming
Summer 2009:Art History, Digital Imaging (Photoshop)
Fall 2009: Web Design I (HTML and CSS), Aerobics, Stretching & Flexibility
Spring 2010: Web Design II (Dreamweaver, Fireworks), Digital Publishing I (InDesign), Interactive Multimedia (Flash), Interface Design, Aerobics, Swimming
Summer 2010: Grant Proposals and Business Plans
Fall 2010: Interactive Digital Media II (ActionScript), Aerobics
Spring 2011Beginning Web Page Programming (JavaScript), Project Analysis and Design
May 2011
I have completed my courses and earned my certificate in web design
Spring 2008
Technical Writing
My career change was from an architect to a technical writer. Without going into great detail about what led up to my decision, the main point is that I felt I would be good at taking complex ideas and putting them into plain language so that the reader could grasp the concept. I started with two classes: "Grammar & Style" and "Technical Writing." Both classes were much more challenging than I thought and I gained a better appreciation for the community college.
Am I too old for this?
This weighed heavily on me. Most of the students would have just finished high school. They would be younger than my youngest niece. They might think I'm their teacher. I might be older than the teacher.
Wow. I might be older than the teacher.
I had to accept that the possibility that my teacher would be younger than me.
It was true! My "Grammar & Style" teacher was younger than me. I didn't realize how much younger she was until the final week of school. Somehow we were talking about parents and their inability to understand computers and she said something like, "my mom was born in 1960 and she doesn't get computers at all." I didn't hear anything else for a while. Finally, I said, "wait, your mother was born in 1960?" I don't know if I said this out loud, but what I thought was: I'm not just older than my teacher, I'm older than my teacher's mother.
I'm glad I didn't know that little tidbit earlier in the semester because it was really quite shocking.
Wow. I might be older than the teacher.
I had to accept that the possibility that my teacher would be younger than me.
It was true! My "Grammar & Style" teacher was younger than me. I didn't realize how much younger she was until the final week of school. Somehow we were talking about parents and their inability to understand computers and she said something like, "my mom was born in 1960 and she doesn't get computers at all." I didn't hear anything else for a while. Finally, I said, "wait, your mother was born in 1960?" I don't know if I said this out loud, but what I thought was: I'm not just older than my teacher, I'm older than my teacher's mother.
I'm glad I didn't know that little tidbit earlier in the semester because it was really quite shocking.
Summer 2008
Accounting
Changing careers meant getting more serious about accounting, so I decided it would be good to learn QuickBooks. In addition to learning the software, it was a good brush-up on accounting procedures and reports.
Computer Supplies
I already had a laptop when I went back to college, so I didn't need to buy a new one. I did need a way to carry it along with my books and notebooks. I started with a regular knapsack but I was always worried that it would tear and my laptop would fall out. It never did. My husband bought me this backpack specifically designed to carry laptops. It has tons of storage pockets and holds everything I can carry.
The wireless mouse - not necessary for school until I took the Photoshop class and couldn't get precise enough with the touchpad.
The flash drive was necessary for school. Most of the classes I took used computers. Sometimes I used the computer at school, sometimes my laptop, and sometimes both. The flash drive is how I transferred my work between the computers.
The external hard drive. I learned the hard and painful way how important it is to back up my hard drive. Before I owned one, I thought $100 was just too expensive. Then I lost all my data on my hard drive and suddenly $100 seemed very reasonable.
The wireless mouse - not necessary for school until I took the Photoshop class and couldn't get precise enough with the touchpad.
The flash drive was necessary for school. Most of the classes I took used computers. Sometimes I used the computer at school, sometimes my laptop, and sometimes both. The flash drive is how I transferred my work between the computers.
The external hard drive. I learned the hard and painful way how important it is to back up my hard drive. Before I owned one, I thought $100 was just too expensive. Then I lost all my data on my hard drive and suddenly $100 seemed very reasonable.
Office Type School Supplies
Binders and Notepaper
Even though we're in an electronic age, I still need paper. The teachers hand out paper. I use a pen and paper to take notes. I try to limit how much I print but there are times when I need it on paper. For example, if the text is long, it's easier for me to read if it's printed on paper. Another reason to print something on paper is to access to it without having to turn on the computer.
Concerning the divider pages for the 3-ring notebook: I prefer the clear tabs. I think they look more professional that the color ones.
Concerning the divider pages for the 3-ring notebook: I prefer the clear tabs. I think they look more professional that the color ones.
Spring 2009
At the time I took this course, I was providing technical writing services to a locally owned computer programming company. I tried my best to understand their language and procedures but it was really hard. I had many "aha" moments taking this course. Even though I haven't incorporated the C++ into my professional life yet, it was still a good learning process and it continued to build my confidence.
Spring 2009
Writing Online Helps
More Office Type Supplies
I know that being organized is important in business. It's important in school, too. The problem I had early on was that I didn't know what to organize. School had just been too long ago. I used the post it notes as temporary dividers in my notebook until I felt sure that how I wanted to divide things up. The binder clips are just a part of my life. It's the main way I keep my papers grouped together. I don't like the mini clips - they are just too tiny for me. The large ones are good, but I only need a few (unlike the small and medium ones that I use all the time).
Changing Course
The pull of web design
In the Spring of 2009, I started to feel a pull towards web design.
The technical writing courses that I wanted to take were often canceled due to low enrollment. The classes were shifting from a classroom setting to an online format. I need (and want) a classroom setting with a teacher and other students. For me, the real-life in-person interaction is too critical to be omitted. I don't mind learning a few tutorials online, but a 16-week course is entirely different.
Around this time I could see a potential market for me updating websites for companies in the design industry, such as architects, interior designers, and contractors. These businesses are constantly generating more projects that they could showcase on their website. I could work with them to update their project descriptions and get the information on their website. I felt that I should at least know something about website design so that I could carry on an intelligent conversation with their marketing and IT departments.
Enter web design classes!
The VisComm (Visual Communication) department at Austin Community College offered numerous courses in design, including website, graphics, and gaming. I decided to take the basic web design class. Before I could do that, I needed to take the prerequisite course, Digital Imaging.
The technical writing courses that I wanted to take were often canceled due to low enrollment. The classes were shifting from a classroom setting to an online format. I need (and want) a classroom setting with a teacher and other students. For me, the real-life in-person interaction is too critical to be omitted. I don't mind learning a few tutorials online, but a 16-week course is entirely different.
Around this time I could see a potential market for me updating websites for companies in the design industry, such as architects, interior designers, and contractors. These businesses are constantly generating more projects that they could showcase on their website. I could work with them to update their project descriptions and get the information on their website. I felt that I should at least know something about website design so that I could carry on an intelligent conversation with their marketing and IT departments.
Enter web design classes!
The VisComm (Visual Communication) department at Austin Community College offered numerous courses in design, including website, graphics, and gaming. I decided to take the basic web design class. Before I could do that, I needed to take the prerequisite course, Digital Imaging.
Summer 2009
Digital Imaging
In preparation for taking classes in web design, I took a PhotoShop class. I've worked with people who knew how to use PhotoShop and it was all a mystery to me. It was nice to finally know what they were doing - and to feel that I could do it too.
Calendars
There are so many choices when it comes to calendars. Here are a few of the "old fashioned" type that you write in with a pen or pencil.
I needed to have a separate calendar to keep track of my class meeting times, assignments, tests, and due dates.
I needed to have a separate calendar to keep track of my class meeting times, assignments, tests, and due dates.
Summer 2009
Art History
Most students take this because they have to. I took it because I wanted to.
I took the class in the summer when it was offered as a 5 1/2 week course. It met every day for 5 1/2 weeks. What I didn't anticipate was the amount of reading that would be involved. It was really hard to keep up with the daily lectures and nightly reading. It didn't leave me enough time to absorb the material.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much better I understood the material compared to when I took the class in college the first time. Finally! Being an older student was beneficial. I was able to pull together all my life's experiences along with all the things I had learned and connect them to the art and architecture I was reading about.
I took the class in the summer when it was offered as a 5 1/2 week course. It met every day for 5 1/2 weeks. What I didn't anticipate was the amount of reading that would be involved. It was really hard to keep up with the daily lectures and nightly reading. It didn't leave me enough time to absorb the material.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much better I understood the material compared to when I took the class in college the first time. Finally! Being an older student was beneficial. I was able to pull together all my life's experiences along with all the things I had learned and connect them to the art and architecture I was reading about.
Fall 2009
Web Design I
Finally, I was in the basic web design class!
This particular class really focused on learning and using HTML to code websites and web pages. There was just a little bit of Dreamweaver, the program I thought we would be learning. Our teacher wanted to make sure we understood what was going on within the code so that when something funky happened with the web page, we would know how to fix it. I agree with his philosophy and dug right into HTML and CSS.
This particular class really focused on learning and using HTML to code websites and web pages. There was just a little bit of Dreamweaver, the program I thought we would be learning. Our teacher wanted to make sure we understood what was going on within the code so that when something funky happened with the web page, we would know how to fix it. I agree with his philosophy and dug right into HTML and CSS.
Teachers do much more than teach
Many of the courses I took at Austin Community College were considered "work force" courses. This means that the curriculum is designed for adults who either want to do better at their current job (and maybe get a promotion) or they are changing careers and a new skill set.
The teachers of these classes tend to be great encouragers. Encouragers build up our confidence by reminding us of how far we've come, and by suggesting ways our new skills can be applied to a real job. The internal conversation in a student's head might be negative and full of doubts, but the teacher's words were hopeful.
The teachers of these classes tend to be great encouragers. Encouragers build up our confidence by reminding us of how far we've come, and by suggesting ways our new skills can be applied to a real job. The internal conversation in a student's head might be negative and full of doubts, but the teacher's words were hopeful.
Spring 2010
The semester has started!
This will be the toughest semester so far. I have signed up for four web-design related courses. I know they will be intense and require alot of effort on my part. The main reason I'm taking so many all at once is to speed up my education. I need to be making money at this and the sooner I can complete the courses, the sooner I can put it into practice.
Spring 2010
Web Page Design
Spring 2010
Digital Publishing
One of the classes I'm taking now is where I'll learn how to use InDesign. It is mainly used for laying out grahics and text for printed work.
Spring 2010
Interactive Multimedia
Spring 2010
Interactive Design
Web Design
I found the first book, "The Real Business of Web Design" at the school's library. Published in 2004, this book is surprisingly insightful, given how quickly the internet changes. The other book gives more practical step-by-step information about how to design a website.
Summer 2010
Grant Proposals and Business Plans
After a long, tough semester, I'm taking some time this summer to absorb what I've learned. I'll resume the web design and interactive media courses in the Fall. My goal is to receive the Online Web Design Certificate by May 2011.
This summer, I'm taking one class that I hope will help my business, Mullen it Over, get back on track and get some income rolling in.
The instructor said that if you are using this class to write a business proposal, you may want to purchase the Excel spreadsheets so that you can fully develop your financials. These can be found at www.theplanningshop.com
This summer, I'm taking one class that I hope will help my business, Mullen it Over, get back on track and get some income rolling in.
The instructor said that if you are using this class to write a business proposal, you may want to purchase the Excel spreadsheets so that you can fully develop your financials. These can be found at www.theplanningshop.com
Fall 2010
Interactive Digital Media II
IMED 2445 Interactive Digital Media II is a continuation class and is supposed to teach me advanced Action Script.
Spring 2011
Beginning Web Page Programming
ITSE 1411 Beginning Web Page Programming teaches Javascript and some more XHTML. I'm hoping that since I've already taken C++ and a class in HTML that I'll be able to catch on quickly.
Note: When I took this class in the Fall of 2010, it was an online class. The teacher didn't use any online teaching or meeting tools such as Adobe Connect. As a result, I found it extremely difficult to learn the material and became very frustrated. Learning to code requires more interaction and this particular class - and the teacher - just didn't offer what I needed. I dropped the online class and signed up for the classroom version in the Spring. For this course I needed a real, live classroom situation.
Note: When I took this class in the Fall of 2010, it was an online class. The teacher didn't use any online teaching or meeting tools such as Adobe Connect. As a result, I found it extremely difficult to learn the material and became very frustrated. Learning to code requires more interaction and this particular class - and the teacher - just didn't offer what I needed. I dropped the online class and signed up for the classroom version in the Spring. For this course I needed a real, live classroom situation.
Please share your back-to-college experience.
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TheCureForYouthMinistry Apr 15, 2011 @ 7:42 pm | delete
- Good stuff. I created a lens called College After 40. I have lensrolled your lens to mine.
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Gloriousconfusion
Nov 9, 2010 @ 8:12 am | delete
- Going back to college was one of the best things I ever did - I stopped being bored and disatisfied with my life, and started feeling really happy and fulfilled. I gained a degree and then professional qualifications and it made me feel that I had the power to make a difference to the world, even in a small way.
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rwoman Nov 4, 2010 @ 11:26 am | delete
- It's important for nontraditional students to remember that they are often better equipped than traditional students to handle the demands of college work. College is about multi-tasking and managing priorities and juggling deadlines. Adults do this all the time but a lot of "kids" still have to learn how to do it.
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flower-girl Oct 6, 2010 @ 7:58 am | delete
- I was thinking about going back to college but I don't know if I can do it. Thanks for the encouragement and resources.
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dryder
Sep 17, 2010 @ 4:24 am | delete
- great resource!
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Go back to:
- Going back to college?
- Strategies for Changing Your Career
- Best Student Discounts
- My Courses
- Spring 2008
- Am I too old for this?
- Summer 2008
- Computer Supplies
- Office Type School Supplies
- Spring 2009
- Spring 2009
- More Office Type Supplies
- Changing Course
- Summer 2009
- Calendars
- Summer 2009
- Fall 2009
- Teachers do much more than teach
- Spring 2010
- Spring 2010
- Spring 2010
- Spring 2010
- Spring 2010
- Web Design
- Summer 2010
- Fall 2010
- Spring 2011
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by JollyvilleChick
I am a web designer living in Austin, Texas, USA. I create web pages and web sites for small businesses, specifically start-up businesses and home-bas... more »
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