|
I'm old
Sept 23, 2014 17:14:05 GMT -5
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Sept 23, 2014 17:14:05 GMT -5
Yesterday, I went to orientation for the classes I'm taking at the local technical college. Officially, it starts today but my first class starts tomorrow. However, the information for my online class hit the computer this weekend. 3 assignments, I needed to write a short biography, an essay and do a short quiz. I submitted my biography today and I have to respond to a couple other posters. Hell, one of the students is still in HS! The others are young women (so far, even though the class looks to be about 50% male). Most have young children/babies that they introduced too and inevitably those babies have unique names. At the orientation yesterday, there were 2 tables of those in the program or similar programs - about 20 students or so. Only one other female, the rest very young guys who are addicted to their smart phones. I listened for about the first hour or so and realized that I probably could have given the orientation, so I took a break to talk to one of the women there (mainly trying to find out what disability services they have on campus that I need) and then bailed. I AM OLD!!!
|
|
Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
|
I'm old
Sept 23, 2014 17:24:04 GMT -5
Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Sept 23, 2014 17:24:04 GMT -5
I felt really old in the only mid-day college class I took. I did the rest of my classes online or in the evening, and that worked much better!
|
|
cronewitch
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:44:20 GMT -5
Posts: 5,976
|
I'm old
Sept 23, 2014 17:31:27 GMT -5
Post by cronewitch on Sept 23, 2014 17:31:27 GMT -5
I am old enough to be their grandmother. My brothers have 3 grandsons college age the oldest is 22 or 23 and two 18 year old's. They could start another generation if they worked at it, but won't. Oldest has girl friend but neither of them wants kids and they aren't stupid, middle one is Mormon so dating but probably not sexual, youngest too scared to have a baby. He carries Down Syndrome so has a one in 15 chance of a downs baby, his mom says it is good birth control. We might need to wait for more grand kids to come to age about 13 more younger ones but I am ready to see my brothers great grand fathers so I can tease them.
When I was first made to feel old was when another department manager said I was the same age as his mother. He was a manager not a youngster maybe 24.
|
|
Jaguar
Administrator
Fear does not stop death. It stops life.
Joined: Dec 20, 2011 6:07:45 GMT -5
Posts: 50,108
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"https://cdn.nickpic.host/images/IZlZ65.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Text Color: 290066
|
Post by Jaguar on Sept 23, 2014 17:35:52 GMT -5
Today at the light stop, two young men said that I'll be pretty when I grow up. I'm 50 something, 4 foot nothing. I thought it was cute, I got a giggle from it.
|
|
mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 18:13:34 GMT -5
Posts: 31,770
Today's Mood: Saddened by Events
Location: Memory Lane
Favorite Drink: Water
|
Post by mmhmm on Sept 23, 2014 17:43:56 GMT -5
LOL, Sugi! I'll never forget the young doctor-with-training-wheels who told me I must have been beautiful when I was young! I somehow managed to keep from laughing and thank him graciously.
|
|
Nazgul Girl
Junior Associate
Babysitting our new grandbaby 3 days a week !
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 23:25:02 GMT -5
Posts: 5,913
Today's Mood: excellent
|
Post by Nazgul Girl on Sept 23, 2014 18:35:00 GMT -5
You guys aren't old. You're all young, only with more wrinkles. Get with it ! This reminds me of a t-shirt I want to get for my father for his 90th birthday. It says " ninety is the new seventy ! "
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 19, 2024 0:09:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
I'm old
Sept 23, 2014 19:02:38 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2014 19:02:38 GMT -5
Mich I'm not that familiar with education in North America today, but I do know that you shouldn't be feeling like an 'alien' there, which is basically what you are describing.
Did you sign up 'blind' or did you get advice (from the university local technical college or elsewhere)? Did you explore other local options? Might there are there evening / night / weekend courses you might feel more comfortable with?
Or are these just prerequisites that you need to get through?
I would have thought that with your qualifications, you should have at least some other "mature students" with you.
I can't blame you for wondering if you are indeed in "the right place", given your experience, and what you're describing. I'm sure you'll do great! But ideally, you also need to feel comfortable.
As always, wishing you the best!
|
|
sesfw
Junior Associate
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:45:17 GMT -5
Posts: 6,268
|
Post by sesfw on Sept 23, 2014 21:05:40 GMT -5
I started DeVry to go into electronics technology when I was 50. My first term class was more than 150 and I was one of 5 women/girls. After 5 terms the class was down to 45 and I was the only female. Only one instructor was older than I and he was getting ready to retire.
I didn't feel out of place at all, my goal was an education so I could get a decent job. I wouldn't let anything or anyone stop me. My classmates were great and for the last 3 terms I worked for the school as a faculty assistant.
WPM ........ you go girl.
|
|
teen persuasion
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:49 GMT -5
Posts: 4,057
|
Post by teen persuasion on Sept 23, 2014 21:58:56 GMT -5
My mom went back to college when my brother and I were in college. She was older than many of her classmates' grandparents! Didn't phase her, she finally found the degree that she'd wanted for decades (but didn't exist at the time she'd first gone to college when she was single). She was 50 when she graduated with her culinary degree.
|
|
marvholly
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:45:21 GMT -5
Posts: 6,540
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 6:44:26 GMT -5
Post by marvholly on Sept 24, 2014 6:44:26 GMT -5
late DH & I decided we were old when then 13 y/o DD (now 39) came flying down the stairs saying "Great classic rock" when he was playing some '60s music that we grew up with.
|
|
NancysSummerSip
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:19:42 GMT -5
Posts: 36,377
Today's Mood: Full of piss and vinegar
Favorite Drink: Anything with ice
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 9:22:10 GMT -5
Post by NancysSummerSip on Sept 24, 2014 9:22:10 GMT -5
Today at the light stop, two young men said that I'll be pretty when I grow up. I'm 50 something, 4 foot nothing. I thought it was cute, I got a giggle from it.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (Disclaimer: I've met Sugi. If those guys only knew she could power walk right over them on any given day...)
|
|
movingforward
Junior Associate
Joined: Sept 15, 2011 12:48:31 GMT -5
Posts: 8,363
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 9:28:03 GMT -5
Post by movingforward on Sept 24, 2014 9:28:03 GMT -5
late DH & I decided we were old when then 13 y/o DD (now 39) came flying down the stairs saying "Great classic rock" when he was playing some '60s music that we grew up with. My 16 yr old niece called me a dinosaur when she came to visit and I played Duran Duran and Def Leopard in my car
|
|
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 10:30:33 GMT -5
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Sept 24, 2014 10:30:33 GMT -5
Mich I'm not that familiar with education in North America today, but I do know that you shouldn't be feeling like an 'alien' there, which is basically what you are describing. Did you sign up 'blind' or did you get advice (from the university local technical college or elsewhere)? Did you explore other local options? Might there are there evening / night / weekend courses you might feel more comfortable with? Or are these just prerequisites that you need to get through? I would have thought that with your qualifications, you should have at least some other "mature students" with you. I can't blame you for wondering if you are indeed in "the right place", given your experience, and what you're describing. I'm sure you'll do great! But ideally, you also need to feel comfortable. As always, wishing you the best! Debt.....I just said that I was old, not alienated. I have no problem with young people, and there are no night time options for the classes I need to take. Quite frankly, with my mobility problems, being out at night unescorted s not a great idea. Hell, last night, I fell on my right hip just walking through the house in the dark. The dog had peed on the floor (our fault, we forgot to take him out before we went out shooting) and when the tile floor gets wet, it is very slick. I'm ok, my elbow hit first but I am still bruised and sore. Anyway, with this program, I have proficiencied out of 50% of it. I'm taking a computer class (online, which was the only one I could not proficiency out of and a prerequesite), a drafting class and a CAD class. These are things where I have no knowledge. And because I must take drafting 1 before 2 and CAD 1 before 2, it is going to take at least a few semesters. Looking at some of the electives, I know that they would be useful too and want to get a couple of those under my belt. I have no doubt that this is not the right idea. It sounds like one of the engineering firms is so desperate for someone with critical thinking skills that I could probably be hired just for those. However, my knowledge of engineering is nil so I would be more comfortable with some base of knowledge. FWIW.....the last week I have laid out $346 in books and $186 for software and drafting supplies, a new backpack for $60 and I likely need to get a new laptop as mine is too heavy for me to carry. With tuition, just over $2000 for the first semester.
|
|
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 10:32:48 GMT -5
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Sept 24, 2014 10:32:48 GMT -5
Oh....and here is a culinary program at this college and if I hadn't already spent so much at the bookstore, I would ave bought a couple texts for THAT program.
|
|
sesfw
Junior Associate
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:45:17 GMT -5
Posts: 6,268
|
Post by sesfw on Sept 24, 2014 10:53:37 GMT -5
.....the last week I have laid out $346 in books and $186 for software and drafting supplies, a new backpack for $60 and I likely need to get a new laptop as mine is too heavy for me to carry.
If you don't already have one .... go to a local thrift store and buy a luggage cart you can drag behind. When at DeVry I had all my books and a lab supply box that I wasn't about to carry around. The luggage cart was perfect. I always had everything together and didn't destroy my back carrying things.
|
|
cronewitch
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:44:20 GMT -5
Posts: 5,976
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 11:14:05 GMT -5
Post by cronewitch on Sept 24, 2014 11:14:05 GMT -5
.....the last week I have laid out $346 in books and $186 for software and drafting supplies, a new backpack for $60 and I likely need to get a new laptop as mine is too heavy for me to carry.
If you don't already have one .... go to a local thrift store and buy a luggage cart you can drag behind. When at DeVry I had all my books and a lab supply box that I wasn't about to carry around. The luggage cart was perfect. I always had everything together and didn't destroy my back carrying things. Mom gave me her old luggage cart the thing is tiny and light. We put it in the camper so when we need to haul a battery from the camper to the boat we don't have to carry it through a campground and out on a dock to the boat then carry the dead one back, perfect. Now I got this that folds up and holds up to 150 lb great around the house.
|
|
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 11:21:16 GMT -5
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Sept 24, 2014 11:21:16 GMT -5
I have one of these, but from what I can tell from where h/c parking is, I don't have to walk far at all.
I also have a backpack that wheels, if necessary.
|
|
teen persuasion
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:49 GMT -5
Posts: 4,057
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 11:24:00 GMT -5
Post by teen persuasion on Sept 24, 2014 11:24:00 GMT -5
Oh....and here is a culinary program at this college and if I hadn't already spent so much at the bookstore, I would ave bought a couple texts for THAT program. If the program is anything like my mom's, they prepare and serve meals to the public a few days a week, reasonable prices. My college roommate and I would take the subway downtown to have lunch at their cafe. I remember that the meals were fabulous.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 19, 2024 0:09:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 13:14:02 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2014 13:14:02 GMT -5
Mich, I'm sorry for my assumptions. I also hadn't realized you are going into a completely new field. My apologies, and good luck!
|
|
sesfw
Junior Associate
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:45:17 GMT -5
Posts: 6,268
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 15:20:52 GMT -5
Post by sesfw on Sept 24, 2014 15:20:52 GMT -5
Now I got this that folds up and holds up to 150 lb great around the house.
I have one of those also. Costco, I love you. I don't want to carry anything if possible. I can handle anything on wheels
|
|
|
I'm old
Sept 24, 2014 16:33:32 GMT -5
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Sept 24, 2014 16:33:32 GMT -5
CAD class down. I may be computer shopping this weekend for a new laptop. Have to see about this.
To be so young and idealistic......I was asked by one of the other students what I wanted to do, so told him. He was appalled that I would consider working for either a refinery, or an engineering firm that did work for a refinery. According o him, refineries are just one step short of evil.
I was rather noncommittal about this, but I told him that I don't expect to see refineries go anywhere in my life time, and very likely his. I had some other things to say, but decided not to get into a pissing contest about it.
Most importantly, the culinary class has a HUGE herb garden outside this building. I hope they have no problem with sharing!
Off to drafting now.....
|
|
movingforward
Junior Associate
Joined: Sept 15, 2011 12:48:31 GMT -5
Posts: 8,363
|
Post by movingforward on Sept 24, 2014 16:49:17 GMT -5
My company just bought me a Surface 3 and I LOVE IT! It is very lightweight and you can use it as a tablet or connect the keyboard, which is super easy.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Sept 24, 2014 16:57:49 GMT -5
I'm seeing double...
|
|
|
I'm old
Sept 25, 2014 0:13:41 GMT -5
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Sept 25, 2014 0:13:41 GMT -5
Oh....and here is a culinary program at this college and if I hadn't already spent so much at the bookstore, I would ave bought a couple texts for THAT program. If the program is anything like my mom's, they prepare and serve meals to the public a few days a week, reasonable prices. My college roommate and I would take the subway downtown to have lunch at their cafe. I remember that the meals were fabulous. BTW....I saw the menu for the culinary program that is open to the public. $18.95 for a 4-5 course meal that sounds wonderful. Once I find out the details, TD and I are going o hit it one night. What I DID discover is that the culinary program provides the baked goods for the coffee shop. OMG! I did not need to find those cookies. I bought one between classes and it was very good. Crap!
|
|
beergut
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 11, 2011 13:58:39 GMT -5
Posts: 2,184
|
I'm old
Sept 25, 2014 3:28:04 GMT -5
Post by beergut on Sept 25, 2014 3:28:04 GMT -5
I can remember being at A&M in '96, and my brother's roommate had a guy in several of his classes who returned to the University to finish his degree. He had left A&M in the early '50s to fight in Korea, came back from the war and went to work in radio. He now owned two radio stations in town, and decided after 40 years that he wanted to come back and finish his degree.
I had a huge amount of respect for him, because of his accomplishments outside of school, and his desire to come back and finish what he started.
You may think some of the students think you're "old", Mich, but there are probably quite a few who admire your willingness to keep working and keep learning.
|
|
steff
Senior Associate
I'll sleep when I'm dead
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 17:34:24 GMT -5
Posts: 10,772
|
I'm old
Sept 25, 2014 3:49:25 GMT -5
Post by steff on Sept 25, 2014 3:49:25 GMT -5
I can remember being at A&M in '96, and my brother's roommate had a guy in several of his classes who returned to the University to finish his degree. He had left A&M in the early '50s to fight in Korea, came back from the war and went to work in radio. He now owned two radio stations in town, and decided after 40 years that he wanted to come back and finish his degree. I had a huge amount of respect for him, because of his accomplishments outside of school, and his desire to come back and finish what he started. You may think some of the students think you're "old", Mich, but there are probably quite a few who admire your willingness to keep working and keep learning. Gig Em Aggies!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
beergut
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 11, 2011 13:58:39 GMT -5
Posts: 2,184
|
Post by beergut on Sept 25, 2014 4:06:03 GMT -5
I can remember being at A&M in '96, and my brother's roommate had a guy in several of his classes who returned to the University to finish his degree. He had left A&M in the early '50s to fight in Korea, came back from the war and went to work in radio. He now owned two radio stations in town, and decided after 40 years that he wanted to come back and finish his degree. I had a huge amount of respect for him, because of his accomplishments outside of school, and his desire to come back and finish what he started. You may think some of the students think you're "old", Mich, but there are probably quite a few who admire your willingness to keep working and keep learning. Gig Em Aggies!!!!!!!!!! Gig'em right back at ya!!
|
|
teen persuasion
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:49 GMT -5
Posts: 4,057
|
I'm old
Sept 25, 2014 11:01:58 GMT -5
Post by teen persuasion on Sept 25, 2014 11:01:58 GMT -5
If the program is anything like my mom's, they prepare and serve meals to the public a few days a week, reasonable prices. My college roommate and I would take the subway downtown to have lunch at their cafe. I remember that the meals were fabulous. BTW....I saw the menu for the culinary program that is open to the public. $18.95 for a 4-5 course meal that sounds wonderful. Once I find out the details, TD and I are going o hit it one night. What I DID discover is that the culinary program provides the baked goods for the coffee shop. OMG! I did not need to find those cookies. I bought one between classes and it was very good. Crap! That's right, I'd forgotten that mom's class did all the pastries for one of the hotels downtown. That's her thing - pastries. They also used to do a lifesize gingerbread house in the hotel for the holiday season. She said as soon as you walked in the atrium that was all you could smell - gingerbread - for weeks.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 19, 2024 0:09:42 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
I'm old
Sept 25, 2014 17:42:44 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2014 17:42:44 GMT -5
Mich - I admire you and envy you. I took some classes (insurance that I needed for work) and as an older student with more focus I did very well. But----------- the strokes have left me with brain damage and I have trouble with a lot of things.
|
|