Adult Phase

There are many challenges of being an adult learner at age 46. It took me three attempts and four years to complete my Masters degree graduating at age 45 seemed like it would never happen. I think being a single parent and single woman made the challenge even more challenging. When you are the sole provider and supporter you must learn how to be a seld directed and self motivated individual in order to achieve educational and lifetime goals. One of the most difficult challenges are the ones in which age is the key factor. Many students in traditional schools are young enough to be your child.

• The joys of being a learner at over the age of forty. There are many joys of being an adult learner, one of them is the fact that it keeps you alert and aware. I enjoy learning new ideas and concepts and once I have learned them I enjoy sharing what I have learned with others.

•My hopes for the next decade as a learner is that there will be more funding available for adult learners. Funding is the single most challenging aspect associated with making the decision to return to school. The average adult have to work to survive so the thought of going back to school and wondering how to afford it is almost overwhelming. It is a scary thought to finish school with close to a hundred thousand dollars in student loan debt, therefore yes education should be much more affordable.

• Your advice for people who are entering your decade as a learner. Do your homework, research schools in your state and area. Be sure to prepare for the financial decision of returning to school. Take advantage of scholarships and any other funding sources that may be available.