Returning Students Bring Anxiety, Experience to Classrooms

by Dan Pierce

With the recession lingering on, it is not news that many adults are returning to school for more earning potential, if not simply employment.

“There has definitely been an increase [in returning adults],” said Kelly Young, Academic Advisor at Maple Woods. According to Young, they are concerned about their study habits and their ability to keep up. ”Some feel they may be out-of-place because they are older than the other students,” she said. But how ready are these adults to return to college after many years away from school?

As Lead Counselor at MCC-Blue River, Barbara Schaefer works primarily with returning adult students in re-entry orientation. “Returning adults are as academically capable, but often their confidence level is initially low because they have not recently participated in academics,” Schaefer said. “These students bring intangibles to the classroom experience that benefits younger students as well.”

Adjunct Instructor of Political Science Jack Nesbitt said he enjoys teaching the older students. “They bring their life experiences to share in class and they vote. To them, the teaching is not theoretical. They have a lot to add to the conversation.”

Most returning students are juggling weighty responsibilities, including a full-time job and taking care of kids at home. Forcing one more thing into their day is a challenge they take seriously. James Ahn is a design engineer at Ford Motor Company and he returns to college this fall to pursue his master’s degree. With two small children at home and both him and his wife working full-time, he says he has returning with a new perspective on classroom achievement than when he first attended.

“Now I am more confident about attempting new things and can see with a broader view of life. I have a great desire to improve myself and take up responsibilities that I would have never considered before. I realize that time is a big factor in life, and that we are not all on the same schedule when it comes to growing up,” Ahn said.

It is this growing up and maturing as a person that make many returning adults more driven than they were out of high school, according to Young. ”They seem to be more determined and focused. When they were young, they may not have been sure of their degree, but now they are focused with their end goal in mind.” This sense of purpose and direction leads to a more focused student. The ability to put aside distractions and know what it takes to get ahead in life and put in the work necessary to get there is a trademark of a returning adult.

The end-goal of a better education can not only be employment but more money. Barbara Schaefer sees other tangible results firsthand. “I have witnessed their self-esteem skyrocket. Many appreciate the employment opportunities that have opened up to them. Once they experience success, many become overachievers who don’t want any grade less than an A. Their time management and level of discipline are better developed which is an advantage in college.”