Five Myths About Returning to School

During my years here on campus I have spoken with many people who are thinking about continuing their education. Many of them have shared their fears with me and now I would like to share them with you. Do any of these sound familiar?

Myth 1: College is too expensive

Many people think they can't afford college, but the truth is you can't afford not to go. Today’s workplace requires employees who are innovative, flexible, and open to change. Expanding your mind and increasing your education makes you a more valuable employee. There are many ways to pay for college. Sometimes your current employer offers tuition reimbursement. The possibilities are endless! And you won't know until you begin the process. We all worry about money. But if you don't further your education, how can you ever make more money than you do now?

Myth 2: College is for young people

When I was in high school I wanted to be a teacher, but I didn't think I could go to college. Somehow I had convinced myself that my only option was to graduate and get a job. If only I had taken the initiative to talk with my high school guidance counselor about my goals, maybe I would have been one of those "young" people on campus. Instead, it took me 20 years to realize there is nothing holding you back but yourself. College is for anyone who wants to learn! As a nontraditional student you will be surprised by what this younger generation can teach you, just as they'll be impressed with your motivation and knowledge about life. Every generation has its own thoughts, feelings, and ideas based on their life experiences, and being in a classroom where generations learn together can be inspiring.

Myth 3: I don't have time

Correction: you have nothing but time! Today's college student is pro-active and the classroom can be on or off campus. When it comes to taking classes there are so many options. Online classes are a great way to earn college credit at home or at the office. Here at SU there are weekend classes and accelerated classes; these options shorten the amount of time it takes to complete a class. There are summer sessions and MAYmester opportunities. Time is something we all share equally. Think about this: 42 hours in front of the television is equal to the amount of time you would spend in a classroom earning three credits toward a degree!

Myth 4: You need to be good in math and science

Some of us decide to attend college after we have been out of school for many years. We may think back to high school math and science classes - like algebra or chemistry- and we try to forget. But somehow we still managed to receive our high school diploma - and that's good! If for some reason you didn't finish high school, there are still ways for you to attend college. Some of us may already have college credits that can transfer into a degree program, lessening the time it takes to graduate. Math and science classes can be a challenging but you are not alone. Professors are very understanding and will do all they can to make sure you succeed. Who knows, you might find these classes enjoyable, leading you down a path you never even considered until now.

Myth 5: You will need to write papers

So what happens if you start taking classes and one of your first assignments is to write a five page paper? That would be good! Learning how to better organize your thoughts and support a viewpoint with facts is a great social skill. Every professor wants you to succeed, and don't be surprised when you learn the person sitting next to you has never written one either! Just like any college student you will discover new strengths and weaknesses about yourself. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to write a paper, you just need an idea. One great thing about SU is they have this wonderful place called the Writing Center. The students and faculty who work here are glad to help. No, they won't write your paper but they will give you the tools you need to succeed and show you how to use them. Before you know it you will have a solid foundation of knowledge that will support you for the rest of your life.

If you have any other concerns about returning to school or if you have any myths of your own to share, please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you!

Roxanne Bocyck