Going back to college at 24. Fitting in? (state school, graduating, major)

[bchris02]

Originally Posted by MBA wannabe

That was why I threw in the part about having plenty of time to hang out. I wasn't trying to be your dad, just trying to offer a little wisdom. I wish I were 24 again...you're lucky my friend. When I was 24, the internet was something few people knew about....so I wouldn't even be having this convo, I'd have to figure it out on my own. You'll be fine....Good Luck!!!

Agreed. I thought I knew everything and knew it best when I was 23 and partied away my future and my career. What I would give to be able to go back and do things differently.

[bob0006]

Originally Posted by bchris02

keep a healthy study/social balance.

I've always had this in mind and is actually one of my most important values - work hard, play hard. It's just that I had to leave early due to such unfortunate circumstances that I feel the need to get in on what I missed out on.

[bchris02]

Originally Posted by bob0006

I've always had this in mind and is actually one of my most important values - work hard, play hard. It's just that I had to leave early due to such unfortunate circumstances that I feel the need to get in on what I missed out on.

I was in the same boat for different reasons. I finished college in three years, was focused entirely on academics, and pretty much did no social/partying. After I got out, I landed a great job but felt the need to get in on what I thought I missed. That was over three years ago and I ended up wrecking my career and my life and am still trying to pick up the pieces. If you must party hard, I would recommend taking a lighter load of classes and get it out of your system BEFORE graduation. Once you have that degree, its a different world. Also keep in mind you might want to do some kind of internship while still in school to increase your marketability upon graduation.

[Lily2204]

The thing is, you probably aren't going to fit in no matter what you do or how you act. Students are going to notice that you are older and not interact with you the same way they do their peers that are still in their teens/early 20s. There is a pretty significant difference in maturity with your age bracket and theirs, not to mention the fact that you're coming in with a completely different mindset and set of experiences than they have. You will probably find yourself worlds apart from these kids, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. You're an adult, act like one. Be serious about your courses, get a degree and get on with your life. Being a non-traditional student, you are not there to socialize like a teenager.

[NINE BALL]

24? You worried about folks calling you old? Unless you look old, nobody is going to call you old or think you are old.

Nobody knows how old you are unless you tell them. Or unless you "look" old. Then people may say: "Hey, what's with the old dude?" But the people who say that are usually jerks anyway, so pay them no mind.

FTR, I'm 22 and look all of 18. I could care less. Wouldn't want to be all old lookin' anyway.

Lilly(the above poster) is describing teenagers(freshmen/sopho's). Some college juniors, and most seniors, actually like "adults"(whatever they act like, nowadays it's hard to judge)

As far as what you're "missing"...missing what?...the parties?....what you've never been to a party before? Come on man, a party is a party. You miss a few, whatever. Go bar-hopping after you get your degree. The loose-women and cheap booze will still be there in abundance. (I provided those two examples because that's what most young men define as the "social" life of a college student).

If you're worried about finding goal oriented people, I'd say you should stop, because they are also in abundance in college. It is college after all.....

[bob0006]

Originally Posted by Lily2204

The thing is, you probably aren't going to fit in no matter what you do or how you act. Students are going to notice that you are older and not interact with you the same way they do their peers that are still in their teens/early 20s. There is a pretty significant difference in maturity with your age bracket and theirs, not to mention the fact that you're coming in with a completely different mindset and set of experiences than they have. You will probably find yourself worlds apart from these kids, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. You're an adult, act like one. Be serious about your courses, get a degree and get on with your life. Being a non-traditional student, you are not there to socialize like a teenager.

Really don't get this parental attitude I'm getting from a couple of people. Once again, I didn't ask for academic advise. Don't try to force your beliefs on others. Your values are your values and my values are mine. I want to fit in with those so-called "teenagers" as you put it and asked if it is possible. It's starting to get pretty annoying. Who are you to be telling me what my priorities are? I've been trying to be nice since you guys were responding to my questions, but some of this BS I'm getting is starting to tick me off.

[NJBest]

I went back to school around the same age. I found it really easy to fit in.

[karen_in_nh_2012]

Originally Posted by bob0006

Really don't get this parental attitude I'm getting from a couple of people. Once again, I didn't ask for academic advise. Don't try to force your beliefs on others. Your values are your values and my values are mine. I want to fit in with those so-called "teenagers" as you put it and asked if it is possible. It's starting to get pretty annoying. Who are you to be telling me what my priorities are? I've been trying to be nice since you guys were responding to my questions, but some of this BS I'm getting is starting to tick me off.

Not trying to be your mom here ... but why would a 24-year-old want to hang out with TEEN-AGERS, as you put it? That's a little creepy. Sorry, but there IS a big difference between 18 and 24 -- not in looks necessarily, but usually in attitude, maturity level, etc.

One of my students just turned 30 but could EASILY pass for 20. I had no idea she was a non-traditional student until she told me. She doesn't hide her age (i.e., if someone were to ask her how old she was, she'd be honest) but she doesn't advertise it either. OTOH, she's not interested in acting like an 18-year-old or being around 18-year-olds in her "off" time.

If you look younger than 24, probably no one will ever ask, and you don't have to tell them. But if your friends are all 18 and they find out you are 24/25, that might make them think you are a little, well, creepy.

I don't mean to sound mean. I DO understand that the social aspect of college is important. If there are grad students at your college/university, you may fit in better with them in terms of age/life experiences.

[germaine2626]

Originally Posted by karen_in_nh_2012

Not trying to be your mom here ... but why would a 24-year-old want to hang out with TEEN-AGERS, as you put it? That's a little creepy. Sorry, but there IS a big difference between 18 and 24 -- not in looks necessarily, but usually in attitude, maturity level, etc.

One of my students just turned 30 but could EASILY pass for 20. I had no idea she was a non-traditional student until she told me. She doesn't hide her age (i.e., if someone were to ask her how old she was, she'd be honest) but she doesn't advertise it either. OTOH, she's not interested in acting like an 18-year-old or being around 18-year-olds in her "off" time.

If you look younger than 24, probably no one will ever ask, and you don't have to tell them. But if your friends are all 18 and they find out you are 24/25, that might make them think you are a little, well, creepy.

I don't mean to sound mean. I DO understand that the social aspect of college is important. If there are grad students at your college/university, you may fit in better with them in terms of age/life experiences.

I agree that if you go to a major university you will see a much wider mix of students. Most of the graduate students will be in their mid to late twenties and many Post-Docs will be in their early thirties.

So at age 24 I wouldn't worry about finding a group of friends and having fun.

[boxus]

Originally Posted by bob0006

Really don't get this parental attitude I'm getting from a couple of people. Once again, I didn't ask for academic advise. Don't try to force your beliefs on others. Your values are your values and my values are mine. I want to fit in with those so-called "teenagers" as you put it and asked if it is possible. It's starting to get pretty annoying. Who are you to be telling me what my priorities are? I've been trying to be nice since you guys were responding to my questions, but some of this BS I'm getting is starting to tick me off.