34 and having to go to school

[deemilio]

So I am  being sent to college in September by WSIB. I still have to figure out what i want to go for but my biggest issue with this is the SA. Almost everything i would take has a oral presentation class not to mention that i am worried about being 'old' in school. Its 8 months away and I'm worried so much about it that i cant even make a choice of what i want to do. When i am with ppl that i don't know then my brain turns to mush. I can't retain anything said to me because all my brain is thinking is 'you look like a fool'.  I will push myself through this just wanted to write it down to help myself in a small way. I have never been on meds even though  have dealt with this  this since i was about 7. I just keep a smile on my face when I'm out and most ppl don't even know i go through it. But going to school is really freaking me out and maybe it is time for a Dr to help

[Cuchculan]

For starters, 34 and college, is a good thing. Not a bad thing. You should be proud of yourself for going to college. I would say that to a person of any age at all. You are never to old for anything in life. The only downside of what you wrote is the ' I am being sent ' part. That makes it sound like it was not your choice? If this was the case I would say you are an adult and you make your own choices. Never let anybody force you into doing something you don't want to do. That is were I would say you are 34. Stand up for yourself. If you don't want to go, then don't go. 8 months is a long time. We don't want you worrying for 8 months. Live for today. But maybe have a look around your local area and see if you can find things to do that might mimic college in some ways. Like a library. Bound to be plenty of people there. Just sit in a library for an hour or so each day. We are talking confidence building here. Maybe seek out a certain book. One you will have to ask have they got at the library. Thus giving you the chance to talk. There are ways or learning I am sure you can look up on the net. Various methods of remembering things. People use these methods in exams all the time. So I am sure you can remember everything you may be thought. I can only see one problem. That is standing up in front of the class talking. But that one problem sounds a lot less fearful than the overall picture if you just break it down. Colleges do have councilors. Most do anyway. People you can talk to about such problems. There may just be some way around it yet. But live out the next 7 months of your life as you normally would. Don't get so far ahead of yourself. It will just be worry that will add to your sitaution.

[delilahking]

Lots of people are going to school at an older age these days-I wouldn't be surprised if you find not only arn't you the only one in your classes but even older then you. Second off having HA myself I have to say that just like having to find a  new job-everything is scary at first but you will find your classes to eventually be a firmilar and comfortable place to be. Yes the first few days will be the hardest but you know what? we have made it this far and "this too shall pass" you will be over that hump in no time. Keep smiling :) and remember that even the younger ones are nervous and feeling like "an idiot" just watch and you will see :) don't forget to pat yourself on the back each day and after each class even. the first step is always the hardest but you will take it and feel proud of that!

[il_camerlengo]

I'm 33, taking some graduate classes now, and I love it .  Take classes in something that genuinely interests you and you will find it so much easier to talk to people.  The subject matter is built in conversation material.  Try to take things that are less intimidating at first and that don't require much public speaking.  My BS was in Chemistry and we never had to do much public speaking, but I had a lot of good social opportunities in my labs and classes.  I did all of my BS while working full time, so I was "older" as well.  You will be surprised how well you fit in if you just give yourself a chance.  Everyone is right!  Do not stress for 8 months on it!!

[deemilio]

I am getting more comfortable with the idea of going to school .. I went and signed up and start may 9th for 'Network Administrator' .. It's a one year course from May to May .. So at the end of it i should be able to help ppl that have computer problems :)